A pilot investigation to subjectively measure treatment effect and side-effect profile of non-ablative skin remodeling using a 532 nm, 2 ms pulse-duration laser.
OBJECTIVE
Carbon dioxide laser skin resurfacing has become a standard treatment for wrinkles and sun-damaged skin. This ablative treatment, however, is associated with undesirable complications and long recovery times. A growing body of evidence suggests that dermal inflammation and subsequent collagen formation can be stimulated without removal of the epidermis, raising the possibility of effective non-ablative skin remodeling for mild to moderately photodamaged skin.


METHODS
This preliminary study was performed to evaluate the safety and subject satisfaction of non-ablative skin remodeling using a 532 nm, 2 ms pulse-duration, frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser. Subjects with mild-to-deep lip wrinkles and mild-moderate acne scarring were treated one half of their lip (wrinkles) or cheek (acne scarring), leaving the other side as an untreated control. Subjects were treated at 3-6 week intervals for an average of three treatments. Subjective assessment of improvement was estimated by subject self-evaluation of the percentage improvement over baseline, and a blinded observer attempted to identify the treated side on physical examination.


RESULTS
Subjective assessment revealed an average improvement of 51.4% and 53.6% for upper lip wrinkles and facial acne scarring, respectively. Side effects were limited to transient erythema that resolved over 0.25-2 hours following treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate that non-ablative treatment with the 532 nm, 2 ms pulse-duration Nd:YAG laser results in subjective improvement of rhytides and acne scarring, with a high safety profile.
Bernstein
E F
EF
Laser Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology Centers, Marlton, NJ, USA. dermguy@hotmail.com
Ferreira
M
M
Anderson
D
D
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000150:complications; D000328:Adult; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D015595:Skin Aging; D016896:Treatment Outcome