Comparison of the Efficacy of Q‐Switched Versus Long‐Pulsed Fractional 1064 nm Nd:YAG Laser in the Treatment of Active Facial Acne: A Pilot, Double‐Blind, Randomized, Controlled, Split‐Face Study

Background and Aims: There are different treatment options for acne including topicals, systemic, hormonal, intralesional, and laser treatments. Fractional Nd: YAG 1064 nm laser has been used to treat acne scars and there are also reports on its use in active acne. In this pilot, split-face, randomized trial conducted as an adjunct to standard care, the aim was to compare effects of long-pulse (LP) with Quality-switched (QS) Nd:YAG laser on active acne. Methods: This is a double-blind, randomized, controlled, split-face study comparing LP versus QS Nd: YAG laser for treating active acne in 20 participants (age range, 18-50 years). Patients had 3 sessions of treatment with 3-week intervals, with a final follow-up 4 weeks later. Assessments were performed using the modified Leeds revised acne grading system, physician global assessment and patient global satisfaction. All participants received daily oral azithromycin as standardized background therapy; lasers were evaluated as adjunctive treatments. Results: = 0.001). Conclusion: As adjuncts to daily azithromycin, both LP and QS 1064 nm Nd:YAG lasers showed reductions in acne severity; QS demonstrated a modest within-subject advantage. Given the small sample and adjunctive systemic therapy, findings are preliminary and hypothesis-generating.