title: Non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO2 resurfacing of photoaged facial skin: preliminary clinical report.
abstract: This study evaluates results, adverse side effects and downtime of the protocol 'ActiveFX' for photodamaged facial skin. A non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO2 laser with specific settings is used in addition to a new computer pattern generator (CPG). From September 2006 to March 2007, 55 patients underwent this new 'soft' single-session, single-pass and full-face ablative fractional treatment. The patients were evaluated at baseline and 1 and 3 months after the treatment using a five-point scale. Seven aspects of photodamaged skin were recorded: global score, fine lines, mottled pigmentation, sallow complexion, tactile roughness, coarse wrinkles and telangiectasias. The results were compared with a non-parametric statistical test, the Wilcoxon's exact test. Eight patients received a double-pass treatment on the crow's feet regions and the improvement of the coarse wrinkles was analyzed with a quartile grading scale. Significant differences (p<0.05) between baseline and 1 and 3 months post-treatment were observed for all features except telangiectasias. Coarse wrinkles presented a good improvement only in the regions submitted to a double-pass. Minimal and isolated adverse side effects were noted and the downtime was very low. Non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO2 light treatment ('ActiveFX') can be considered an excellent alternative for photodamaged facial skin.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Laser e Chirurgia, Istituto Dermatologico Europeo, Milano, Italy. mtretti@tin.it
authors.forename: Matteo Tretti
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Clementoni
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gilardino
authors.forename: Gabriele F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Muti
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Beretta
authors.forename: Rossana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schianchi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012060:Rejuvenation; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide