Clinical evaluation of a single-wavelength fractional laser and a novel multi-wavelength fractional laser in the treatment of photodamaged skin.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nonablative fractional lasers are well recognized for rejuvenating photoaged skin. We previously reported favorable outcomes with short follow-up after the use of 1,440-nm Nd:YAG laser energy used alone or in combination with a 1,320-nm laser to effect rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction. We now report longer follow-up data.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen Caucasian subjects (average age 47+/-8.4; range 33-62) exhibiting mild-to-moderate photoaging of the face and neck were treated four times (average interval 18.1+/- 4.1 days; range 11-37 days) with the 1,440-nm Nd:YAG fractional laser (average fluence 3.7+/-0.3 J/cm(2)) or the 1,320/1,440-nm multiplex Nd:YAG fractional laser (1,320-nm average fluence 8.4+/-0.4 J/cm(2); 1,440-nm average fluence 2.3+/-0.2 J/cm(2)). Outcomes were assessed by subjects and the treating physician using a quartile scale to evaluate skin tightening, surface texture, rhytids, dyschromia, erythema, and global appearance after 1, 3, and 6 months. Retroauricular punch biopsies from three patients were used to evaluate wound healing. Three patients withdrew from the study prior to evaluation, one missed the 1-month evaluation, and one missed the 6-month evaluation.

RESULTS: Assessment by subjects and the treating physician revealed clinical improvement for all outcomes after 1, 3, and 6 months. The differences between the treatment groups were not statistically significant. Subjects demonstrated the greatest average 6-month improvements in surface texture and global skin appearance. Subjects treated with the multiplex laser reported more skin tightening than the group treated only with the 1,440-nm laser. Histological evaluation revealed wound healing within 10 days and significant neocollagenesis at 3 months. No adverse events were reported in any subject.

CONCLUSION: The 1,440-nm Nd:YAG and 1,320/1,440-nm multiplex Nd:YAG lasers safely and effectively produced improved surface texture, rhytids, dyschromia, erythema, global skin appearance, and skin tightening. Histopathologic findings correlated with clinical observations.