Prospective direct comparison study of fractional resurfacing using different fluences and densities for skin rejuvenation in Asians.
OBJECTIVE
Fractional resurfacing is a new concept of cutaneous remodeling whereby laser-induced zones of microthermal injury are surrounded by normal untreated tissue. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and complications of Fraxel laser treatment when using different fluences and density settings.


METHODS
Thirty female Asian patients were enrolled in the study. Group 1 (n = 10); half of the face was treated with eight passes at 125 MTZ/cm2 at an energy setting of 8 mJ. The other half of the face was treated with eight passes at 250 MTZ/cm2 at an energy setting of 8 mJ. Group 2 (n = 10); half of the face was treated with eight passes at 125 MTZ/cm2 at an energy setting of 8 mJ. The other half of the face was treated with eight passes at 125 MTZ/cm2 at an energy setting of 16 mJ. Group 3 (n = 10); half of the face was treated with eight passes at 125 MTZ/cm2 at an energy setting of 16 mJ. The other half of the face was treated with eight passes at 250 MTZ/cm2 at an energy setting of 8 mJ. Ice pack cooling was used during and after laser treatment. The patients were evaluated for clinical efficacy and treatment-related side effects.


RESULTS
Pain, erythema, and swelling were observed to be significantly more evident or persisted longer in patients treated with higher densities and fluences (P<0.01). Patient satisfaction is significantly greater in patients treated with higher fluences (P<0.05), but not in patients treated with higher densities. Hyperpigmentation was observed in two patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased density was more likely to produce swelling, redness, and hyperpigmentation when compared to increased energy. Patient satisfaction is significantly higher when their skin is treated with high fluences, but not when patients' skin is treated with high densities.
Kono
Taro
T
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan. tkono@prs.twmu.ac.jp
Chan
Henry H
HH
Groff
William Frederick
WF
Manstein
Dieter
D
Sakurai
Hiroyuki
H
Takeuchi
Masaki
M
Yamaki
Takashi
T
Soejima
Kazutaka
K
Nozaki
Motohiro
M
D044466:Asian People; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000209:etiology; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000528:radiation effects*