Laser skin resurfacing with a novel portable erbium:YAG laser.
OBJECTIVE
The erbium:YAG laser is a popular modality for laser skin resurfacing (LSR). This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new portable Er:YAG laser in the treatment of photo-damaged skin.


METHODS
Nine patients with skin types I-III were treated for rhytides, large pores, pigmented lesions, lentigines and photo-damage. Small facial areas such as the periorbital area, nose, cheeks, and upper lip were treated with one to six passes at 5-6 J/cm2 with a new portable Er:YAG laser. Topical and local anesthesia was used.


RESULTS
All treated areas showed improvement and, depending upon the number of passes, re-epithelialization was complete within 2-7 days. The intense erythema resolved within 7 days and there was blending of treated and untreated areas within 2 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
The technique of applying a tailored number of 5-6 J/cm2, 300 micros pulses of a new portable Er:YAG laser to small areas appears to be safe and effective. There was minimal discomfort and a high level of patient satisfaction after a relatively short recovery time.
Khatri
Khalil A
KA
Skin & Laser Surgery Center of New England, Nashua, NH, USA. skinlaser@aol.com
Gordon
James
J
Garamela
Lalitha
L
D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000528:radiation effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects