title: Results of nonablative wrinkle reduction with a 1,450-nm diode laser: difficulties in the assessment of "subtle changes".
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Nonablative resurfacing has proven its efficacy in vascular and pigmented lesions, while its capacity of substantial wrinkle reduction is still discussed controversially. We present the treatment results of a 1,450 nm diode laser for facial rhytides.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty facial regions were treated with a 1,450 nm diode laser. Pre- and post treatment pictures were compared by the treating physician and two blinded observers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Even if mild improvement was rated in up to 35% of the post treatment pictures, a discrepancy shows up in the assessments of the three observers, presenting almost no congruency in the rating of improvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study failed to provide convincing data on the efficacy of nonablative treatment of rhytides with the 1,450 nm diode laser. In this respect, we challenge objective judgment in the assessment of subtle changes in nonablative wrinkle reduction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Regensburg, 93042 Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hohenleutner
authors.forename: Katja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Koellner
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lorenz
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Landthaler
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Hohenleutner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005145:Face; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods*; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000528:radiation effects*