Evaluation of clinical, microscopic, and ultrastructural changes after treatment with a novel Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.
BACKGROUND
The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was among the first non-ablative lasers to be used. High-fluence photoacoustic Q-switched laser treatments were shown to produce results akin to those seen with some ablative lasers. Previous low-fluence, non-thermal, Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers produced almost no results.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new combined photoacoustic/photothermal low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of facial photodamage.


METHODS
Ten individuals with photodamaged facial skin were enrolled in the study. Participants underwent six bi-weekly full-face treatments using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (RevLite, HOYA ConBio, Freemont, CA, USA) at 1064 nm, with an 8-mm spot size and fluence of 3.2 J/cm(2). Clinical improvement was evaluated through blinded investigator assessment of photographs obtained before and 3 months after the last treatment. Pre-auricular biopsies, performed before and 3 months following the last treatment, were processed for light and electron microscopy and analyzed for evidence of treatment-related changes.


RESULTS
Eight individuals completed the study with no serious or long-term complications. Blinded evaluator assessment documented improvement in a variety of different aspects of photodamaged skin. Biopsy specimens revealed changes consistent with wound repair under light microscopy, while electron microscopy confirmed new collagen deposition.


CONCLUSIONS
A novel combined photoacoustic/photothermal Q-switched Nd:YAG laser can be used for non-ablative photorejuvenation. In addition to clinical improvement, histological and ultrastructural changes consistent with new collagen deposition were noted.
Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of NY and NJ, New York, NY 07675, USA.
Alexander L
AL
Berlin
Jacob
J
Dudelzak
Mussarrat
M
Hussain
Robert
R
Phelps
David J
DJ
Goldberg
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003094:Collagen / Q000096:biosynthesis; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005145:Face; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D015595:Skin Aging
D003094:Collagen