title: The 975 nm Diode Laser in the Photothermal Treatment of the Aging and Sagging Face and Neck.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of a 975 nm diode laser for skin tightening.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The photothermal effect of laser irradiation on the hypodermis causes retraction of superficial and deep skin layers by the heating of fibrous septa. New devices have been developed for repairing deformities in the cervicofacial region associated with aging and skin laxity.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective, cross-sectional study included the medical records of 17 patients who had undergone photothermal laser therapy to correct deformities in the cervicofacial region between June 2013 and February 2015. An energy dose of 3 kJ per 100 cm(2) skin area was used as a safety parameter to calculate the optimal cumulative energy for the treated areas. Four cervicofacial lines were measured preoperatively (baseline), immediately after treatment, and 3 months post-treatment with a caliper. Measurements were compared using the Wilcoxon test at a significance level of 0.05 (p < 0.05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant skin tightening was observed in all patients 3 months after the procedure. Mean length reductions found in the cervicofacial lines L1, L2, L3, and L4 at the 3-month follow-up were 0.9, 1.18, 1.32, and 1.27 cm, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of a 975 nm diode laser resulted in skin tightening.
authors.affiliation: 1 Graduate Program in Translational Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) , São Paulo, SP, Brazil .
authors.forename: Moises
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wolfenson
authors.affiliation: 2 Division of Plastic Surgery, UNIFESP , São Paulo, SP, Brazil .
authors.forename: Bernardo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hochman
authors.affiliation: 2 Division of Plastic Surgery, UNIFESP , São Paulo, SP, Brazil .
authors.forename: Lydia Masako
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Ferreira
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome