Fractional CO2 laser: a novel therapeutic device upon photobiomodulation of tissue remodeling and cytokine pathway of tissue repair.
Minimally ablative fractional laser devices have gained acceptance as a preferred method for skin resurfacing. Notable improvements in facial rhytides, photodamage, acne scarring, and skin laxity have been reported. The aim of the present work was to compare how different CO(2) laser fluences, by modulating the secretory pathway of cytokines, are able to influence the wound-healing process, and how these fluences are associated with different clinical results. Eighteen patients, all with photodamaged skin, were treated using a fractional CO(2) laser (SmartXide DOT, Deka M.E.L.A., Florence, Italy) with varying laser fluences (2.07, 2.77, and 4.15 J/cm(2)). An immunocytochemical study was performed at defined end points in order to obtain information about specific cytokines of the microenvironment before and after treatment. The secretory pathway of cytokines changed depending on the re-epithelization and the different laser fluences. Different but significant improvements in wrinkles, skin texture, and hyperpigmentation were definitely obtained when using 2.07, 2.77, and 4.15 J/cm(2), indicating fractional CO(2) laser as a valuable tool in photorejuvenation with good clinical results, rapid downtime, and an excellent safety profile.
Prignano
F
F
Department of Dermatological Sciences, Florence University, Florence, Italy. francesca.prignano@unifi.it
Campolmi
P
P
Bonan
P
P
Ricceri
F
F
Cannarozzo
G
G
Troiano
M
M
Lotti
T
T
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D054020:Lasers, Gas; D008875:Middle Aged; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D012060:Rejuvenation; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism; D014746:Vimentin / Q000378:metabolism; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects
D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D014746:Vimentin; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor