Synopsis: Acne Vulgaris remains an extremely common skin condition with minimal 
advancement in treatment strategies. A need for novel therapies that are convenient 
and effective remains. 

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the 1064nm 
Nd:YAG laser with a 650-microsecond pulse duration in the treatment of acne 
vulgaris. 

Methods: 10 patients (Fitzpatrick Skin Type I-IV) with acne vulgaris on the face 
resistant to standard acne regimens or those looking for alternative therapies were 
treated with the 1064nm Nd:YAG laser with a 650-microsecond pulse duration. 
Treatments were performed on average every 1-4 weeks for 3 to 7 treatments. The 
laser treatment protocol included 3 passes on the entire face with 3-6 stacked pulses 
on active lesions.

Results: Improvement of acne lesions occurred as early as 3 weeks post-treatment, 
with the majority of subjects clearing after 4 treatment sessions. Treatments were 
very well tolerated with no reported pain during or after treatment. 

Conclusions: Advantages of this laser modality include essentially no pain or 
downtime and the ability to safely treat all skin types with acne vulgaris. The 1064nm 
Nd:YAG laser with a 650-microsecond pulse duration is a safe and effective alternative 
treatment option for acne vulgaris. The mechanism of action is thought to be due to 
reduction of sebum output, inflammation and destruction of bacteria, but further 
studies are warranted.

A Clinical Evaluation of the 1064nm Nd:YAG Laser with a 650-microsecond Pulse Duration for the 
Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Tanya Greywal1*, Nazanin Saedi, MD2, MD, Arisa Ortiz, MD1
1UC San Diego Health, San Diego, CA (*At time study was conducted); 

2Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting, Plymouth Meeting, PA 

Disclosures: Dr. Ortiz and Saedi are members of the Aerolase Medical Advisory Board

Figure 1 a) 

Figure 3 b)

Figure 2 a)

Figure 1 b) Figure 2 b)

Figure 3 a)

Figure 1 a) 17 y.o. female with resistant acne on tretinoin 0.025% cream, clindamycin 1% gel and 
benzoyl peroxide 5% wash. b) Clearance after 4 treatments with the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser with a 650-
microsecond pulse duration. Figure 2 a) 20 y.o female with resistant acne on doxycycline 100 mg po bid, 
tretinoin 0.05% cream, and benzoyl peroxide 5% wash. b) Clearance after 4 treatments with the 1064 
nm Nd:YAG laser with a 650-microsecond pulse duration. Figure 3 a) 21 y.o. female with resistant acne 
on tretinoin 0.025% cream and clindamycin 1% lotion. b) Clearance after 4 treatments with the 1064 nm 
Nd:YAG laser with a 650-microsecond pulse duration.