title: Histologic comparison of microscopic treatment zones induced by fractional lasers and radiofrequency.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fractional photothermolysis induces microscopic, localized thermal injury in the skin surrounded by undamaged viable tissue in order to promote wound healing.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated acute histologic changes following each single pass of various fractional lasers and radiofrequency (RF).
  
  
  METHODS
  Three male domestic swine were used. We used fractional Erbium:glass (Er:glass), Erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG), CO2 lasers, and fractional ablative microplasma RF. We analyzed features and average values of the diameter, depth, and vertical sectional areas treated with each kind of laser and RF.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The microscopic treatment zone (MTZ) of fractional Er:glass resulted in separation of dermoepidermal junction with no ablative zone. Fractional Er:YAG provided the most superficial and broad MTZ with little thermal collateral damage. Fractional CO2 resulted in a narrow and deep "cone"-like MTZ. Fractional RF resulted in a superficial and broad "crater"-like MTZ.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides the first comparison of MTZs induced by various fractional lasers and RF. These data provide basic information on proper laser and RF options. We think that these findings could be a good reference for information about fractional laser-assisted drug delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University , Seoul , Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Min-Kyung
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Jeong Hwee
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Soo Beom
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.forename: Mu Hyoung
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D013552:Swine
keywords: ablative fractional laser; laser channel; microscopic treatment zone; non-ablative fractional laser