In vivo experimental evaluation of skin remodeling by using an Er:Glass laser with contact cooling.
OBJECTIVE
Selective dermal remodeling consists of inducing collagen tightening, neocollagen synthesis, or both, without damage to the overlying epidermis. This experimental study aimed to evaluate an Er:Glass laser emitting at 1.54 micrometer combined with contact cooling to target the upper dermis while protecting the epidermis.


METHODS
Male hairless rats were used for the study. Different fluences (26-30 J/cm(2)) by using single 3-ms pulse irradiation or pulse train irradiation (1.1 J, 3 Hz) and different cooling temperatures (+5 degrees C, 0 degrees C, -5 degrees C) were screened with clinical examination and histologic evaluation at 1, 3, and 7 days after laser irradiation.


RESULTS
The clinical effects were clearly dose and temperature cooling dependent. It seemed that single pulse irradiation led to epidermal whitening in most cases, whatever the cooling temperature. Conversely, pulse train irradiation showed reproducible epidermal preservation and confinement of the thermal damage into the dermis. New collagen synthesis was confirmed by a marked fibroblastic proliferation, detected in the lower dermis at day 3 and clearly seen in the upper dermis at day 7.


CONCLUSIONS
This new laser seems to be a promising new tool for the treatment of skin laxity, solar elastosis, facial rhytides, and mild reduction of wrinkles.
Mordon
S
S
Inserm-EA2689-IFR 22, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France. mordon@lille.inserm.fr
Capon
A
A
Creusy
C
C
Fleurisse
L
L
Buys
B
B
Faucheux
M
M
Servell
P
P
D000818:Animals; D003080:Cold Temperature; D003094:Collagen / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D020405:Dermis / Q000293:injuries; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004871:Erbium; D005347:Fibroblasts; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011923:Rats, Nude; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries*; D012881:Skin Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing
D004871:Erbium; D003094:Collagen