Using a hybrid laser to treat acne scars in people with darker skin

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness and tolerability of a hybrid non-ablative and ablative laser treatment for acne scars specifically in individuals with skin of color. Acne scarring can significantly affect quality of life and mental health, and traditional treatments often have limitations for darker skin types. The hybrid laser aims to minimize risks such as hyperpigmentation while promoting collagen production to improve scar appearance. Participants will undergo treatment and be monitored for outcomes and side effects.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy males and females, ≥ 18 years of age at time of informed consent, seeking treatment for acne scarring
* Subject must voluntarily sign and date an IRB approved informed consent form
* Subjects with diagnosis of acne scarring recorded over the past 6 months
* Able to read, understand and voluntarily provide written informed consent.
* Subject is determined to be healthy, non-smoker
* Subjects able and willing to comply with the treatment protocol and follow-up schedule and requirements.
* Understands and accepts the obligation not to undergo any other procedures in the areas to be treated through the follow-up period.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects does not have the capacity to consent to the study
* Subject underwent any acne scar treatments in the past 6 months prior to enrollment in the study
* Subject has active papulopustular or cystic acne within the past 6 months
* Any history of keloidal scarring
* Any previous surgical procedure in the treatment area in the past 12 months, or major surgery in the last 6 months
* History of immunosuppression/immune deficiency disorders (including AIDS and HIV infection), and/or any history of systemic chemotherapy for prior 12 months
* Subject has no health contraindications to receiving local lidocaine and epinephrine injections, including but not limited to any form of heart disease or arrhythmia, untreated or uncontrolled severe hypertension, uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, uncontrolled diabetes, pheochromocytoma, cocaine use
* History or current use of the following prescription medications:

Immunosuppressive medications/biologics, 6 months prior to and during the study.

Accutane or other systemic retinoids within the past twelve months TCA, MAO, or beta-blockers

* Smoking or vaping in the past 12 months
* History of photosensitivity and/or connective tissue disease
* History of hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis, or bleeding disorders
* History of major depressive disorders or endocrine disorders including but not limited to; hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or hyperthyroidism
* History of ongoing pregnancy, active breastfeeding, cancer, and epilepsy

Where it's running

• 555 Taxter Road
  Elmsford, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Kseniya Kobets, MD — Montefiore Medical Center
• Study coordinator: Ryan Chan, BA
• Email: ryachan@montefiore.org
• Phone: 631-553-2203

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Cosmetic gel for facial hyperpigmentation in women

  This study tests a depigmenting gel to see if it improves facial dark spots in 40 women aged 30–60 over 90 days.

  Recruiting Brainfarma Industria Química e Farmacêutica S/A · Osasco, São Paulo · NCT07769268

• Lip product with Caulerpa lentillifera extract to reduce dark lips

  We will test if a lip product containing Caulerpa lentillifera extract can reduce darkened lips in Thai adults aged 18–60 who are concerned about lip pigmentation.

  Recruiting Chulalongkorn University · Bangkok · NCT07067879

• Treatment for various skin conditions using AVAVA technology

  This study is testing a new device called AVAVA to see if it can help improve skin problems like acne, scars, and wrinkles.

  Recruiting AVAVA, Inc. · Waltham, Massachusetts · NCT06868615

• Face sunscreen with untinted or tinted formula to improve dark spots after 8 weeks

  This study tests whether using a facial sunscreen (untinted or tinted) for 8 weeks can improve facial dark spots in adults with conditions like melasma, solar lentigines, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

  Recruiting Kenvue Brands LLC · Campinas, São Paulo · NCT07679945

• Cosmetics to Improve Self-Esteem and Quality of Life for Black Women with Facial Hyperpigmentation

  This study tests a skincare routine containing bioceramides and niacinamide to see if it can lessen facial PIH and boost self-esteem and quality of life in Black Brazilian women.

  Recruiting Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein · São Paulo, São Paulo · NCT07618572

• Vitamin C to lighten dark gum pigmentation

  This trial will try three ways of applying vitamin C—topical gel, microneedling, and mesotherapy—to see if they reduce dark gum pigmentation in healthy adults aged 20 to 35.

  Recruiting Al-Azhar University · Cairo, Cario Governorate · NCT07513727

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.