Abstract

Objectives: 1. To present the first clinical report with an extended follow-up of 1726 nm laser treatment for acne in Asian patients. 2. To evaluate the 1726 nm laser as a novel, safe, and effective treatment modality that selectively targets the sebaceous glands. 3. To analyze the variability of treatment outcomes among subjects, particularly during shorter follow-up periods, and to assess the potential for progressive improvement with longer observation. Introduction: Acne is the leading cause of dermatological consultations among adolescents and young adults. Delayed or ineffective treatment increases the risk of permanent scarring. While isotretinoin and photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been mainstays for managing severe acne, concerns about adverse effects and treatment inconvenience remain. In 2022, the 1726 nm laser, targeting sebaceous glands selectively, received FDA approval. However, clinical insights on its use are still limited. This study presents our experience from the first clinical trial with long time follow-up conducted in Japan. Materials / method: Thirteen subjects aged 16–38 years with moderate to severe acne underwent three sessions of 1726 nm laser treatment at monthly intervals. Follow-up evaluations, including photographic documentation and investigator assessments using the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score, were conducted at 4, 12, 26, and 52 weeks post-treatment. Additionally, a survey was administered to assess subjects' satisfaction with the treatment. Results: At the 4-week follow-up, most patients demonstrated a noticeable reduction in sebum production. By the 12-week follow-up, improvements in acne were less remarkable and varied among the subjects. However, with extended follow-up periods, a consistent trend of progressive improvement was observed in the majority of patients. Adverse effects were primarily limited to pain and mild erythema during the procedure. Conclusion: While this novel modality is safe and demonstrates effectiveness over an extended period, the results may vary among subjects. Further analysis with a larger sample size is necessary to fully establish its efficacy and optimize treatment outcomes.