Pulsed dye laser therapy for sun damaged skin.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the pulsed dye laser (585 nm, 450 ms) in the treatment of sun induced wrinkles.

DESIGN: Patients had one pulsed dye laser (585 nm) treatment. The treated areas were assessed by the following methods: grading of skin wrinkles at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6-14 months after treatment by blinded observers and by light and electron microscopy.

SETTING: An ambulatory care center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital (ANH) and the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Northern California (LSSCNC).

PATIENTS: Twenty patients were treated, half with mild to moderate and half with moderate to severe sun induced skin wrinkles.

RESULTS: At last follow up 90% (9/10) of the mild to moderate wrinkles and 40% (4/10) of the treated patients with moderate to severe wrinkles had clinically observable improvement in their sun induced skin wrinkles. Histologic examinations of the treated areas showed a superficial dermal band of well organized elastin and collagen fibers replacing pre-treatment elastic tissue. Increased cellularity and mucin deposition was consistent with dermal collagen remodeling.