A 2026 trial enrolled 160 people with atrophic acne scars, depressed pits caused by tissue loss. It compared CaHA filler plus CO2 ablative fractional laser with laser alone.
Springer Nature / Aesthetic Plastic Surgery published the prospective single-center randomized study in the trial report. Pigment change, pain, and recovery drive most treatment decisions. This article explains who saw benefit, what healing involves, and what to discuss with a dermatologist.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Official resources:
- Register through Springer’s official page — Use this page to review requirements and register directly.
- Read the original research from Jccpractice — Use this page to review the original research.
Table of Contents
- Why combine filler with laser?
- What raises pigment risk?
- How painful is treatment and how long is healing?
- What should you discuss before booking?
Why combine filler with laser?
The trial found stronger remodeling with CaHA plus laser than with laser alone. Benefit was clearest for boxcar and rolling scars, according to Springer Nature / Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in the same trial report.
The idea pairs surface resurfacing with dermal support. CaHA supports type I and III collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and vascular repair. The authors report that CaHA injection also eased post-laser recovery by reducing adverse events.
What raises pigment risk?
In the trial report, repeated ablative fractional laser alone can increase lasting redness and dark marks after inflammation. Risk runs higher in darker skin tones. Results alone are often weaker for rolling and icepick scars.
The 160-person trial was single-center with limited follow-up. Its pigment and durability findings transfer poorly across skin types. People with deeper skin tones should review pigment history and sun exposure with a dermatologist.
How painful is treatment and how long is healing?
In a separate laser-versus-microneedling comparison, fractional CO2 laser had higher mean pain, more post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and downtime beyond three days, while satisfaction was similar, reported by the Journal of Clinical and Cosmetic Practice in the laser-versus-microneedling comparison. Fractional CO2 recovery often includes redness, swelling, oozing, bronzing, and micro-crusting, described by Korea Clinic Guide in its CO2 laser recovery overview.
Peeling often occurs around days 5-7. Residual pinkness may last weeks or months.
- Plan pain control before the visit
- Protect healing skin from sun during redness and peeling
- Allow downtime for swelling, oozing, and crusting around days 5-7
What should you discuss before booking?
The trial design limits broad claims about lasting clearance. Ask whether active acne is stable enough for resurfacing. Review prior dark marks, redness duration, and work or school time off.
- Confirm scar subtypes and whether boxcar or rolling scars dominate
- Review skin tone, pigment history, and sun-protection plan
- Ask about acne stability, pain control, and expected peeling days
- Ask how your scar pattern, skin tone, and schedule fit the trial population
You Might Also Like
- The 160-Participant Acne Scar Combination Trial Published in 2026: Questions People With Atrophic Acne Scars Can Ask Before a Procedure
- Recovery and Pigment Safety in the 2026 Split-Face Acne Scar Trial: Questions People With Rolling Acne Scars Can Ask Before a Procedure
- Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid After Acne Scar Laser in 2026: Cost, Sessions, and Downtime Questions for People With Rolling Acne Scars