In the eye of the beholder--skin rejuvenation using a light-emitting diode photomodulation device.
BACKGROUND
A light-emitting diode (LED) photomodulation system can produce pulses of amber light expected to induce structural skin changes and reverse the effects of photoaging.


OBJECTIVE
To reproduce the encouraging results already published.


METHODS
Facial skin was exposed to pulses of 588+/-10-nm-wavelength light from a photomodulation device for 40 seconds once a week for 8 weeks. Photographs, clinical assessment, and a subjective questionnaire were taken at baseline, at the last follow-up, and 1 month after that. Thirty-six patients' pre- and post-treatment photos were arbitrarily scrambled, and 30 independent blinded observers were asked to pick the post-treatment photo. Two time-point comparisons were evaluated.


RESULTS
For every facial characteristic studied and for both time-point comparisons, patients reported highly statistically significant improvements. In extremely sharp contrast, neither the physician's assessment nor the independent observers' evaluation indicated any improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
Although subjective findings are comparable between studies, we were unable to reproduce the objective results of efficacy previously reported. Patients genuinely believed that several of their facial features had improved, even though there was no detectable objective change. Our data therefore suggest that the LED photomodulation treatment from the device tested is a placebo.
Boulos
Patrick R
PR
Department of Ophthalmology, Oculofacial Surgery Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Kelley
John M
JM
Falcão
Marcele F
MF
Tremblay
Jean-Francois
JF
Davis
Roger B
RB
Hatton
Mark P
MP
Rubin
Peter A D
PA
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012060:Rejuvenation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000473:pathology