Photobiomodulation with non-thermal lasers: Mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses in dermatology and aesthetic medicine.
BACKGROUND
Non-thermal laser therapy in dermatology, is a growing field in medical technology by which therapeutic effects are achieved by exposing tissues to specific wavelengths of light.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review was to gain a better understanding of the science behind non-thermal laser and the evidence supporting its use in dermatology.


METHODS
A group of dermatologists and surgeons recently convened to review the evidence supporting the use of non-thermal laser for body sculpting, improving the appearance of cellulite, and treating onychomycosis.


RESULTS
The use of non-thermal laser for body sculpting is supported by three randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled studies (N = 161), one prospective open-label study (N = 54), and two retrospective studies (N = 775). Non-thermal laser application for improving the appearance of cellulite is supported by one randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study (N = 38). The use of non-thermal laser for the treatment of onychomycosis is supported by an analysis of three non-randomized, open-label studies demonstrating clinical improvement of nails (N = 292).


CONCLUSIONS
Non-thermal laser is steadily moving into mainstream medical practice, such as dermatology. Although present studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of non-thermal laser for body sculpting, cellulite reduction and onychomycosis treatment, studies demonstrating the efficacy of non-thermal laser as a stand-alone procedure are still inadequate.
a Center for Clinical and Cosmetic Research, Center for Clinical Enhancement , Aventura, Miami , Florida , USA.|b University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami , Florida , USA.
Mark
M
Nestor
c Andriessen Consultants, Medical Director , Malden , Netherlands.|d Radboudumc, Radboud Academie , Nijmegen , Netherlands.
Anneke
A
Andriessen
a Center for Clinical and Cosmetic Research, Center for Clinical Enhancement , Aventura, Miami , Florida , USA.|e Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery , University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami , Florida , USA.
Brian
B
Berman
f Department of Dermatology , Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai , New York , New York , USA.
Bruce E
BE
Katz
g Newport Dermatology and Laser Associates , Newport Beach, Newport Beach, USA.|h Department of Dermatology , University of California , Irvine , USA.
Dore
D
Gilbert
i Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists, Director , Westwood , Massachusetts , USA.
David J
DJ
Goldberg
j Gold Skin Care Center , Nashville , Tennessee , USA.
Michael H
MH
Gold
b University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami , Florida , USA.
Robert S
RS
Kirsner
k Lorenc Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center , New York , New York , USA.|l Lenox Hill Hospital, New York , New York , USA.
Paul Z
PZ
Lorenc
D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004954:Esthetics; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D014009:Onychomycosis / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Non-thermal laser therapy; acne; aesthetic dermatology; body sculpting; consensus panel; low-level light therapy; onychomycosis; photobiomodulation