Clinical trial of pin-point photodynamic therapy using an optic fiber for the improvement of enlarged facial pores: a case study.
BACKGROUND
There are few publications on the treatment options for facial pore size reduction. A focused therapy is needed.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of selective photodynamic therapy (PDT) using an optic fiber for the size reduction of large facial pores.


METHODS
A series of five patients (skin phototypes IV-V) with large facial pores received two successive weekly treatments with an 810-nm diode laser using a fine optic fiber after indocyanine green (ICG) was applied selectively to enlarged pores. Patients were evaluated using digital photography at each treatment session, and at 3 months post-operation. Clinical assessment scores were determined at each treatment session and follow-up visit. Patient satisfaction surveys were obtained at the end of the study.


RESULTS
All five participants who completed the 3-month follow-up gave a subjective assessment of reduction of facial pore size. Modest to excellent improvement was achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that treatment with pin-point PDT using an optic fiber is a well-tolerated and effective regimen for the reduction of facial pore size.
Kim
Sangeun
S
Department of Dermatology, Yonsei-Zium Dermatologic Clinic, Seoul, Korea. expo9406@naver.com
Cho
Kyeong-Hun
KH
D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D055100:Optical Fibers; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D012016:Reference Values; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult