title: Treatment of facial photodamage and rhytides using a novel 1,565 nm non-ablative fractional erbium-doped fiber laser.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Non-ablative fractional lasers (NAFL) generate microscopic non-contiguous columns of thermal injury in the dermis, resulting in collagen remodeling. This manuscript details our experience with a novel 1,565 nm scanned, erbium-doped fiber NAFL for the treatment of facial photodamage.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, open-label clinical trial was conducted at two clinical sites in the United States on 16 female subjects with a mean age of 49.6 years, Fitzpatrick skin types II to IV, and a baseline Fitzpatrick-Goldman Wrinkle and Elastosis Score (FGWES) of 3-6. Each subject received three treatments at 4-5 week intervals with follow-up assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean FGWES demonstrated a statistically significant decrease from baseline both at 3 months (-0.58 ± 0.23, P = 0.02) and 6 months (-0.66 ± 0.22, P = 0.008) after the last treatment. Fifty percent (95%CI [24.21%, 68.49%]) of subjects showed a significant (at least 1 grade) improvement in FGWES from baseline at 3-month follow-up. At least 72% of subjects perceived the results as "moderate" to "very good" at 3 months post-treatment, with comparable satisfaction rates. Treatments were not associated with a high level of pain or discomfort and typical downtime was less than 2 days. No unexpected adverse events or serious adverse events were reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 1,565 nm erbium-doped scanned NAFL is an effective treatment for facial wrinkles with a favorable recovery and side effect profile.
authors.affiliation: Westlake Dermatology Clinical Research Center, Westlake Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Austin, Texas, 78746.
authors.forename: Daniel P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Friedmann
authors.affiliation: Wall Street Dermatology, New York, New York, 10006.
authors.forename: Julia E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Tzu
authors.affiliation: New York Laser and Skin Care, New York, New York, 10028.
authors.forename: Arielle N B
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Kauvar
authors.affiliation: Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, San Diego, California, 92121.
authors.forename: Mitchel P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Goldman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D020405:Dermis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015595:Skin Aging
keywords: fractional resurfacing; wrinkles