Histologic evaluation of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the nonablative treatment of wrinkles.
BACKGROUND
A variety of nonablative dermal remodeling techniques are currently available. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, in addition to its role in tattoo removal, hair removal, and vascular and pigmented lesion treatment, may also play a role in dermal remodeling for the treatment of wrinkles. The histologic changes seen in human skin after Q-switched Nd:YAG laser exposure have yet to be evaluated.


OBJECTIVE
To study histologic changes after the use of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the nonablative treatment of photoaged skin.


METHODS
Sun-damaged infrauricular skin from six female subjects was exposed to a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at fluences of 7 J/cm2 with two laser passes. Histologic examinations were performed before laser treatment and 3 months later.


RESULTS
Biopsy specimens showed slight fibrosis in the superficial papillary dermis with unremarkable epidermal changes.


CONCLUSIONS
The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser produced morphologic changes similar to, but lesser in degree, than those seen with both CO2 and Er:YAG laser resurfacing.
Goldberg
D J
DJ
Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York & New Jersey, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
Silapunt
S
S
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D015361:Rhytidoplasty; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D015595:Skin Aging