Premjit Vaiyavatjamai1, Penpun Wattanakrai. 1. Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. premjitvp@yahoo.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fractional erbium fiber laser is an effective treatment for facial wrinkles, acne scars, and dyspigmentation available worldwide. However, there are minimal data of adverse events and complications in Asians. OBJECTIVE: To determine safety and adverse events associated with fractional erbium laser treatment in Asian patients. METHODS: Retrospective data of 181 fractional 1550-nm Ytterbium/Erbium fiber laser (Finescan(™) ; TNC Medditron Co., Ltd., Thailand) from 119 patients with skin phototype III-V at Ramathibodi Laser Center were reviewed. Patient demographics including gender, age, and dermatologic indications for treatment were assessed. Safety and adverse effects related to the treatment were identified. RESULTS: Only six treatments (3.3%) developed complications. The most common adverse event was postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (2.2%), while acneiform eruption and desquamation were reported 0.55%, equally. Although none of the patients received herpes prophylaxis, there were no herpes outbreaks. CONCLUSION: Fractional erbium laser treatment in Asian skin is quite safe, and the side effects in this study were relatively low. Herpes prophylaxis may not be required.
BACKGROUND: Fractional erbium fiber laser is an effective treatment for facial wrinkles, acne scars, and dyspigmentation available worldwide. However, there are minimal data of adverse events and complications in Asians. OBJECTIVE: To determine safety and adverse events associated with fractional erbium laser treatment in Asian patients. METHODS: Retrospective data of 181 fractional 1550-nm Ytterbium/Erbium fiber laser (Finescan(™) ; TNC Medditron Co., Ltd., Thailand) from 119 patients with skin phototype III-V at Ramathibodi Laser Center were reviewed. Patient demographics including gender, age, and dermatologic indications for treatment were assessed. Safety and adverse effects related to the treatment were identified. RESULTS: Only six treatments (3.3%) developed complications. The most common adverse event was postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (2.2%), while acneiform eruption and desquamation were reported 0.55%, equally. Although none of the patients received herpes prophylaxis, there were no herpes outbreaks. CONCLUSION: Fractional erbium laser treatment in Asian skin is quite safe, and the side effects in this study were relatively low. Herpes prophylaxis may not be required.