title: Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the picosecond alexandrite laser with specialized lens array for treatment of the photoaging décolletage.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fractionated lasers are routinely used to treat the characteristic cutaneous signs of photoaging. In this study, we evaluate the use of picosecond pulse duration combined with a diffractive lens array for treatment of photodamage of the décolletage.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV were enrolled in a prospective open-label trial evaluating the efficacy of the 755 nm picosecond pulsed alexandrite laser with diffractive lens array for treatment of photodamage to the décolletage. Each subject received a series of four laser treatments at 3 week intervals. Follow up evaluation was performed 1 and 3 months later by a masked investigator and consisted of assessment of dyspigmentation, erythema, keratosis, texture, and rhytides on a standardized 5 point scale; global aesthetic improvement 5 point scale; and investigator and subject satisfaction questionnaire. Adverse events and treatment discomfort was also assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Statistically significant improvement in dyspigmentation, keratosis, and skin texture were observed at both 1 and 3 month follow up intervals (P < 0.05). rhytides initially demonstrated significant improvement at the 1 month time point, but this significance was not maintained at 3 months (P = 0.08). There was no statistically significant improvement noted in erythema. The majority of subjects were satisfied, with a mean rating of 2.8/6 (one being extremely satisfied and six being extremely dissatisfied). Subject pain was 3.6/10.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 755 nm picosecond pulsed alexandrite laser with diffractive lens array can be an effective option for rejuvenation of the photodamaged décolletage.
authors.affiliation: Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, 9339 Genesee Avenue Suite 300, San Diego, California, 92121.
authors.forename: Douglas C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, 9339 Genesee Avenue Suite 300, San Diego, California, 92121.
authors.forename: Leysin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fletcher
authors.affiliation: Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, 9339 Genesee Avenue Suite 300, San Diego, California, 92121.
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Guiha
authors.affiliation: Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, 9339 Genesee Avenue Suite 300, San Diego, California, 92121.
authors.forename: Mitchel P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Goldman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012060:Rejuvenation; D015595:Skin Aging; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: alexandrite; chest; fractionated; non-ablative; photodamge; picosecond; rejuvenation