Efficacy and safety of 1064 nm long-pulsed neodymiumdoped yttrium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for treating acne vulgaris: a prospective clinical trial

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammation of pilosebaceous units with a multifactorial pathogenesis. Traditional treatment may have limited success with potential side effects. The long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser may be a desirable alternative.

A prospective clinical trial was conducted on 61 acne patients at the Department of Dermatology, Basrah Teaching Hospital, from April 2019 to April 2020. Three treatments with long-pulsed Nd:YAG were performed across two-weeks intervals (fluence 50 J/cm2, spot size 5 mm, pulse duration 15 ms, and frequency 1.5 Hz). Patients were assessed at baseline and 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks later by counting the acne lesions and scoring the response according to the percentage of lesions’ reduction.

Sixty-one patients completed the study (49 females and 12 males); the mean age was 18.7 ± 1.67 years. A significant reduction of acne lesions at the end of therapy was observed compared to the baseline. The mean number of total lesions was reduced from 84.2 ± 25.8 to 16 ± 23.3 (P < 0.05). Overall, 49 (80.3%) patients achieved an excellent response, 3 (4.9%) good, 1 (1.6%) moderate, and 8 patients (13.1%) showed a poor response. The treatment was well tolerated with insignificant adverse effects.

Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser is an effective and safe modality for treating acne vulgaris and may be considered an alternative option for cases of recurrence after conventional treatment. However, more sessions are needed for severe cases.