NCT05362929 · Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Efficacy and Tolerability of a Hybrid Fractional Laser for the Treatment of Acne Scars in Patients With Skin of Color
What this study is about
The investigators aim to investigate the effectiveness and tolerability of a hybrid non-ablative/ablative laser for acne scarring in skin of color.
View original scientific description
The investigators aim to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of a hybrid non-ablative/ablative laser for acne scarring in skin of color.
Interventions
DEVICE
Sciton Halo
Laser treatment
Primary outcome measures
Change in Acne Scar Severity
Time frame: Baseline to Month 9
Change in acne scarring severity from baseline to nine months will be assessed using the Global Scale for Acne Scar Severity (SCAR-S) scale. The SCAR-S is a validated scale used to assess the severity of acne scarring using a 6-point scale ranging from 0 ("Clear, no visible scars from acne") to 5 ("Very Severe; entire area with prominent atrophic or hypertrophic scars") such that higher scores are indicative of more severe scarring. Two independent blinded dermatologists will rate before and after treatment images using the SCAR-S scale. Results will be summarized by study arm using descriptive statistics.
Change in Clinician Graded Global Assessment of Improvement Scale (GAIS) score
Time frame: Baseline to Month 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 6, and Month 9
Change in aesthetic success from baseline will be evaluated using the Clinician's Global Assessment of Improvement Scale (CGAIS). The CGAIS evaluates overall efficacy and cosmetic outcomes of the treatment. The CGAIS is based upon a 7-point scale ranging from -3 ("Greatly worsened") to +3 ("Greatly improved"), with 0 ("No change") as the midpoint. Two independent unbiased blinded dermatologists will conduct live/photographic assessments to evaluate patients at baseline, Month 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 6, and Month 9. Results will be summarized by study arm using descriptive statistics.
Overall Patient Satisfaction
Time frame: Baseline to Month 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 6, and Month 9
Overall patient satisfaction will be assessed throughout the study using an item from the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) completed during each visit. This question asks patients to select the option that better represents the change in how their skin looks using a 7-point scale ranging from -3 ("Greatly decreased") to +3 ("Greatly increased"), with 0 ("No change") as the midpoint. Scores will be summarized by study arm using descriptive statistics.
Patient Assessment of Acne Scarring
Time frame: Baseline to Month 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 6, and Month 9
Patient assessment of acne scarring will be assessed throughout the study using an item from the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) completed during each visit. This question asks patients to select the option that better represents the change in acne scarring in the area treated using a 7-point scale ranging from -3 ("Greatly decreased") to +3 ("Greatly increased"), with 0 ("No change") as the midpoint. Scores will be summarized by study arm using descriptive statistics.
Patient Assessment of Skin Texture
Time frame: Baseline to Month 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 6, and Month 9
Patient assessment of skin texture will be assessed throughout the study using an item from the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) completed during each visit. This question asks patients to select the option that better represents the change in their skin texture using a 7-point scale ranging from -3 ("Greatly improved") to +3 ("Greatly worsened"), with 0 ("No change") as the midpoint. Scores will be summarized by study arm using descriptive statistics.
Patient Assessment of Skin Pigmentation
Time frame: Baseline to Month 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 6, and Month 9
Patient assessment of skin pigmentation will be assessed throughout the study using an item from the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) completed during each visit. This question asks patients to select the option that better represents the change in their skin pigmentation using a 7-point scale ranging from -3 ("Greatly improved") to +3 ("Greatly worsened"), with 0 ("No change") as the midpoint. Scores will be summarized by study arm using descriptive statistics.
Patient Assessment of General Skin Changes - Binary
Time frame: Baseline to Month 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 6, and Month 9
Patient assessment of general skin changes will be assessed throughout the study using an item from the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) completed during each visit. This question asks patients "beyond texture, pigmentation, and overall acne scarring, did you notice any other changes in the area that was treated." Patients will select either "Yes" or "No." Binary responses will be summarized by study arm.
Patient Assessment of General Skin Changes - Categorical
Time frame: Baseline to Month 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 6, and Month 9
Patients who confirmed that they did notice changes in the "Patient Assessment of General Skin Changes - Binary" query on the PSQ will be asked to specify what those changes were from a menu of options. These options are "Pores are smaller," "Skin is less oily," "Skin is smoother," "Skin feels better," "Skin looks more radiant," "Face feels more youthful," and "Other." Patients will have the option of selecting more than one response. Responses will be categorically summarized by study arm.
Patient Satisfaction with Treatment
Time frame: Baseline to Month 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 6, and Month 9
Patient satisfaction with treatment will be assessed throughout the study using an item from the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) completed during each visit. This question asks patients how they would characterize their satisfaction with the treatment using the following suite of options: "Very dissatisfied," "Dissatisfied," "Slightly dissatisfied," "Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied," "Slightly satisfied," "Satisfied," or "Very Satisfied." Ordinal responses will be summarized by study arm using descriptive statistics.
Recommend Treatment to Family and Friends
Time frame: Baseline to Month 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 6, and Month 9
Patients will be asked whether they would recommend the treatment to friends and family members using an item from the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) completed during each visit. Binary ("Yes" or "No") responses of recommendations to family/friends will be summarized by study arm.
Patient adherence to skin care accommodations for laser treatment
Time frame: Baseline to Month 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 6, and Month 9
Patients will be asked whether they are following skin care accommodations for laser treatment using an item from the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) completed during each visit. Binary ("Yes" or "No") responses of adherence to skin care accommodations for laser treatment will be summarized by study arm.
Daily mineral sunscreen use
Time frame: Baseline to Month 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 6, and Month 9
Patients will be asked whether they are using daily mineral sunscreen of SPF30 or greater on the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) completed during each visit. Binary ("Yes" or "No") responses of usage will be summarized by study arm.
Sun avoidance
Time frame: Baseline to Month 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 6, and Month 9
Patients will be asked whether they are avoiding the sun on the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) completed during each visit. Binary ("Yes" or "No") responses of sun avoidance will be summarized by study arm.
Treatment-related Side Effects
Time frame: Baseline to Month 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 6, and Month 9
One of the safety variables will be treatment-related side effects. Patients will be asked whether they are experienced any of the following side effects following laser treatment: "Erythema," "Prolonged erythema," "Acne flare up," "Hypopigmentation," and "Hyperpigmentation." on the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) completed during each visit. Patients can select any/all treatment-related side effects which they experienced. Responses will be categorically summarized by study arm.
Pain Discomfort
Time frame: Baseline to Month 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 6, and Month 9
One of the safety variables will be pain discomfort. Patients will be asked to quantify the degree of pain discomfort experienced following treatment using a pain scale item provided on the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) completed during each visit. Patients will rate their pain discomfort on an 11-point Likert scale ranging from 0 ("No Pain") to 10 ("Worst Possible Pain"), such that higher scores are indicative of increased pain discomfort. Results will be summarized by study arm using descriptive statistics.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
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.
- 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
- 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
- Elmsford, New York
Collaborators
Sciton
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 11, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations