1550 nm Laser Demonstrates Efficacy in Acne Scar Treatment Across All Skin Types

While numerous medical therapies exist for active acne, including topical and oral antibiotics, retinoids, hormonal therapies, isotretinoin, and more recently laser-based treatments, a significant proportion of patients develop permanent acne scarring. Acne scars can have substantial psychosocial consequences, including impaired quality of life, emotional distress, and negative self-perception.¹

Acne scarring poses particular therapeutic challenges in patients with skin of color. Higher rates of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), increased risk of keloid formation, and heightened melanocyte reactivity complicate treatment selection and safety.² Prior literature suggests that up to 90% of patients with darker Fitzpatrick skin types may experience PIH following acne lesions, underscoring the importance of safe, effective scar treatments applicable across all skin tones.³

Acne scars are broadly categorized as atrophic, hypertrophic, or keloidal, with atrophic scars further subdivided into rolling, boxcar, and icepick types. These scar morphologies reflect underlying disruptions in collagen, elastin, and dermal extracellular matrix architecture, largely driven by inflammatory pathways. Many existing procedural treatments—such as chemical peels, microneedling, subcision, radiofrequency, ultrasound, and resurfacing lasers—aim to stimulate neocollagenesis and dermal remodeling. However, treatment depth, safety, and tolerability remain limiting factors, particularly in darker skin types.⁴

A recent prospective, multi-center clinical trial evaluating a novel 1550 nm non-ablative resurfacing laser incorporating Focal Point Technology in various skin types for acne scarring. This delivery system differs from traditional 1550 nm lasers by using conical rather than purely vertical beams, allowing energy to converge at specific dermal depths while dispersing fluence in superficial layers. As a result, higher pulse energies—up to 150 mJ—can be delivered safely, compared with the approximately 70 mJ limit of earlier devices.³

A total of 47 subjects aged 21 to 72 years were enrolled across 3 US clinical sites. Importantly, intentional enrollment across Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI was performed, addressing a common limitation in prior laser studies. Subjects received between 1 and 6 treatments at intervals of 3 to 6 weeks, with follow-up assessments at 1 and 3 months after the final treatment. Treatments targeted 1 or 2 dermal layers, including deeper zones of coagulation at 700–1300 μm and more superficial zones at 200–400 μm.

Efficacy outcomes were assessed using multiple validated measures, including investigator-rated Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), blinded photographic review, and the ECCA acne scar scale. Investigator GAIS ratings indicated that 78% of subjects were assessed as either “much improved” or “improved,” with no subjects experiencing clinical worsening. Notably, patients rated as having “no change” were largely among early participants treated with lower energies or single-pass protocols.

Blinded reviewer analysis demonstrated high agreement, with at least 2 of 3 reviewers correctly identifying baseline and post-treatment images in over 90% of subjects. Additionally, blinded dermatologic assessment using the ECCA scale showed a statistically significant mean improvement of 30.3 points, with more than 90% of participants meeting responder criteria.

Treatment tolerability was acceptable, with a mean pain score of 4.4 out of 10 using topical anesthesia alone. No subjects discontinued treatment due to discomfort. Safety outcomes were favorable, with no serious adverse events reported. Expected transient effects included erythema, edema, and temporary burning or stinging sensations. One case of prolonged hyperpigmentation occurred in a Fitzpatrick type III subject and resolved with medical management.

Subgroup analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in efficacy or adverse events between lighter (FST I–III) and darker (FST IV–VI) skin types. This finding is clinically relevant given historical concerns regarding laser resurfacing in skin of color. The low rate of PIH observed in this study compares favorably with higher rates reported for traditional non-ablative resurfacing lasers.

This multi-center study suggests that a new-generation 1550 nm non-ablative laser utilizing Focal Point Technology can safely and effectively improve acne scarring across a broad range of skin types. The ability to deliver higher energies to deeper dermal targets while sparing the epidermis represents a meaningful technological advancement. While longer-term follow-up and comparative studies would be beneficial, the findings contribute valuable evidence supporting expanded laser treatment options for acne scars, particularly in populations historically at higher risk for treatment-related pigmentary complications.

References

1. Li Y, Hu X, Dong G, Wang X, Liu T. Acne treatment: research progress and new perspectives. Front Med (Lausanne). 2024 Jul 10;11:1425675. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1425675.
2. Alexis AF, Harper JC, Stein Gold LF, Tan JKL. Treating acne in patients with skin of color. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2018;37(3S):S71-S73. doi:10.12788/j.sder.2018.027
3. Wang JV, Pomerantz H, Tran TN, et al. Treating acne scars in fitzpatrick skin types I-VI using a novel 1550 nm non-ablative resurfacing laser with focal point technology. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(12):e70620. doi:10.1111/jocd.70620
4. Zhang M, Liu C, Zhang S, Chu R, Ren X. Advances in the treatment of acne scars. Front Med (Lausanne). 2025 Aug 29;12:1643035. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1643035.