Utilization of the 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser for the reduction of photoaging of the hands.
BACKGROUND
Nonablative laser resurfacing has been shown to improve the appearance photoaged skin. Clinical improvement has been associated with dermal collagen remodeling.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to determine the efficacy of a 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of photoaging hands.


METHODS
Seven patients with photoaged hands received six monthly treatments with a 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser. Improvement in skin smoothness was evaluated by objective and patient assessment using a 6-point improvement scale: 1=no improvement and 6=80% to 100% improvement.


RESULTS
Mild to moderate improvement was achieved as determined by both objective and patient assessment. Mean improvement by objective assessment was 2.4 points. Objective improvement was noted in four of seven patients, and these patients demonstrated a mean improvement score of 3.5 points. The mean improvement by patient assessment was 3.1 points.


CONCLUSIONS
This case series demonstrates that the 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser with cryogen cooling can be effective for rejuvenation of photoaged hands.
Sadick
Neil
N
Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA. nssderm@sadickdermatology.com
Schecter
Amy K
AK
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009354:Neodymium; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009354:Neodymium