title: Consensus recommendations on the use of an erbium-doped 1,550-nm fractionated laser and its applications in dermatologic laser surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nonablative fractional photothermolysis has revolutionized the way we treat a number of common skin conditions with laser technology.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  A comprehensive guide is needed for clinicians using this technology to treat specific skin conditions in various skin types.
  
  
  METHODS
  Recommendations were made from a recent round table discussion among experienced physicians and a review of recent literature findings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Optimal laser parameters are dependent on patient skin type and condition. We recommended guidelines for the successful treatment of several common skin conditions on and off the face using nonablative fractional photothermolysis. Specific conditions were dyschromia, rhytides, acne scars, surgical scars, melasma, and striae distensae.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We developed reproducible guidelines to most effectively treat a variety of skin types and conditions using nonablative fractional photothermolysis. Future large, multicenter trials are indicated for further optimization of treatment parameters.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sherling
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Adrian
authors.forename: A Jay
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.forename: Howard
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Conn
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gregory
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kilmer
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lask
authors.forename: Vic
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Narurkar
authors.forename: Tracy M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Katz
authors.forename: Mathew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Avram
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000150:complications; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods; D002138:Calibration; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004867:Equipment Design; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008548:Melanosis / Q000601:surgery; D018579:Patient Selection; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011292:Premedication / Q000379:methods; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods; D015595:Skin Aging; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000601:surgery*