Comparison of efficacy and safety of fractional CO2 laser versus 70% trichloroacetic acid peel in the treatment of facial freckles and lentigines

Objective To Evaluate the efficacy and Safety of Fractional CO2 Laser versus 70% trichloroacetic acid peel in the treatment of facial freckles and lentigines in Asian people of skin type III & IV. Methods A randomized clinical trial, with 92 cases complying with inclusion standards were enrolled. In groups A, 46 patients were treated with fractional CO2 laser. In group B, 46 patients were treated with 70% trichloroacetic acid peel. All the patients were treated and assessed at four weekly intervals for three consecutive sessions by taking photographs. Final results were concluded one month after the last session. Results 92 patients completed the study with mean age of 29±5 years. In group A, 38% patients showed 75% lightening while in Group B, 49% patients showed good response in lesions clearance on face (80-90% lightening). So, the efficacy was significantly higher in patients treated with 70% TCA peel as compared to CO2 laser (p-value≥0.001). Overall percentage reduction in PSI score was higher in group B (64.80%) followed by group A (46.61%). Conclusion 70% TCA was found more efficacious than CO2 laser for pigmented lesions.