High-fluence fractional treatment of photodamaged facial skin using a 2940 nm erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser.
BACKGROUND
Fractional resurfacing with an Erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) 2940 nm laser is an increasingly popular option for the treatment of the signs of facial photoaging, which include wrinkles as well as pigmentation issues and unwanted textural changes. Fractional treatment has produced favorable clinical responses, but with less complications and shorter recovery times than traditional laser resurfacing. This study was conducted to evaluate a fractionated Er:YAG treatment regimen of 1-2 higher fluence sessions with a multiple-pass technique.


METHODS
Eight subjects with moderate to severely photodamaged facial skin received one to two full-face laser treatments. Multiple-pass (MP) treatment results were evaluated in terms of procedure time, discomfort, social downtime and effectiveness. A photographic evaluation, subject improvement assessments and a subject satisfaction assessment were performed.


RESULTS
An investigator's photographic review showed a 26-75% improvement in the signs of overall photoaging. Subjects treated with the MP technique exhibited a relatively short 3-4 day downtime and ratings of mostly moderate discomfort with the use of topical anesthetic cream only. Subjects treated with higher fluences demonstrated the highest average improvement in specific features of photoaging. Two laser treatments resulted in substantially higher improvement scores than those received just one laser treatment.
Skin & Laser Surgery Center of New England and New England Institute of Laser Research, Nashua, NH 03060, USA. skinlaser@aol.com
Khalil A
KA
Khatri
Danielle
D
Mahoney
Laila
L
Hakam
D000328:Adult; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000601:surgery; D012060:Rejuvenation; D015595:Skin Aging; D013997:Time Factors