Thulium

BACKGROUND: A 1,927-nm wavelength was recently added to the 1,550-nm erbium-doped fiber laser. This wavelength possesses a higher absorption coefficient for water than the 1,550-nm, conferring greater ability to target epidermal processes such as dyschromia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel 1,927-nm fractional thulium fiber laser in the treatment of melasma. METHODS: Fourteen patients underwent three to four laser treatments (at 4-week intervals) at pulse energies of 10 to 20 mJ and total densities of 252 to 784 microscopic treatment zones per cm(2) (6-8 passes) using a 1,927-nm thulium fiber laser...

BACKGROUND: Non-ablative fractional laser photothermolysis (NAFP) has been used effectively in the treatment of photodamaged skin and scars, with short post-operative recovery times; but, studies evaluating its adverse events and complication rates in Asian population have been limited. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and range of adverse events associated with NAFP treatment in Korean patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 754 1550-nm erbium-doped and 102 1927-nm thulium fiber fractional laser treatments in patients with skin phototypes III-IV treated at a single center...

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common acquired symmetrical hyperpigmentation that is often recurrent and refractory. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and safety of a single administration of high-density fractional thulium fiber laser (1,927 nm) for the treatment of refractory melasma in 20 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart and photographs review of 20 women (Fitzpatrick skin type II-IV) with clinical diagnosis of melasma treated with the 1,927-nm fractionated thulium laser at 10 or 20 mJ/cm(2) , with 60-70% surface area coverage...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Non-ablative fractional lasers cause little down-time, however, some patients want more noticeable results with fewer treatments. The 1940 nm wavelength matches one of the water absorption peaks in the mid infrared band of electromagnetic energy. The skin absorption is much stronger than other non-ablative wavelengths (1410-1550 nm) and weaker than ablative wavelengths (Er:YAG or CO2). The objective of this study was to characterize clinical efficacy using this technology to treat photodamaged skin in human subjects...

BACKGROUND: Long-term exposure to sunlight, including ultraviolet A and B, produces signs associated with photoaging and photodamage, including laxity and discoloration of the skin. Initial laser treatment for dyspigmentation included the use of ablative lasers, followed by Q-switched lasers and more recently fractional lasers. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the safety and efficacy of a fractionated 1927nm non-ablative thulium laser for the treatment of photo-induced pigmentation...

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a rare complication following cupping therapy. We report a case of a 26-year-old woman who presented with hyper-pigmented skin lesions on her lower back which was persistent for 6 months following cupping therapy. The 1,927 nm thulium fiber laser (Fraxel re:store Dual, Solta Medical Inc., Hayward, CA) was tested leading to near complete resolution within four sessions.

BACKGROUND: Rejuvenation of the aging chest is important to prevent noticeable disparities between the treated skin of the face and that of the untreated chest. OBJECTIVE: To compare a high-density thulium fiber laser (TFL)-based protocol for the rejuvenation of the aging chest with intense pulsed light (IPL). METHODS AND MATERIALS: We conducted a retrospective chart review comparing patients treated with IPL and those treated with TFL in combination with a quality-switched alexandrite laser and long pulsed dye laser...