A prospective study of the efficacy of the N-Lite laser for the treatment of facial wrinkles.
BACKGROUND
Despite early studies supporting the efficacy of the N-Lite laser (ICN Pharmaceuticals, Costa Mesa, CA) for nonablative treatment of facial wrinkles, clinical reports of treatment results have been disappointing.


OBJECTIVE
We devised a prospective, double-blinded study to evaluate the efficacy of this laser, based upon a protocol submitted by the manufacturer.


METHODS
A total of 89 patients underwent 2 treatments by 2 treating physicians 2 weeks apart. At the end of 4 months, pretreatment and posttreatment photographs were evaluated by 3 plastic surgeons in a blinded fashion. Patients also completed a questionnaire to record their opinions regarding the success of the laser treatments.


RESULTS
Twentysix patients (29.1%) expressed a positive opinion regarding their results. Physicians thought that only 9 patients (10%) showed clinical improvement. Variables such as Fitzpatrick skin type, pulses administered, and pretreatment with microdermabrasion did not seem to affect the final result. In those patients where wrinkle reduction was seen, changes were subtle and not impressive.


CONCLUSIONS
We did not find the N-Lite 585-nm nonablative laser to be a predictable or efficacious way to treat facial wrinkles. More extensive studies of the laser and treatment protocols must be performed to justify acceptance of this product in the marketplace.
Shapiro
Daniel I
DI
Friedland
Jack A
JA