BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that pulsed char-free carbon dioxide lasers are effective in the treatment of rhytids. However, these lasers produce thermal damage with the potential for prolonged wound healing. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we evaluated the role of the erbium (Er):YAG laser in the treatment of rhytids. This laser, with a wavelength of 2940 nm, produces little thermal damage. METHODS: Twenty patients were treated with the Er:YAG laser. Perioral, periorbital, and forehead rhytids were treated. Pulsed of energy varying between 400 and 800 mJ were used; spot sizes between 2.5 and 5 mm were chosen. Patients were evaluated at 2 days, 1 month, and 2 months for erythema, time of healing, degree of improvement, and pigmentary charges. RESULTS: All 20 patients showed improvement of their rhytids. Reepitheliation occurred between 4 and 10 days. Postoperative of eythema resolved in less than 2 weeks. Clinical improvement occurred between 3 and 8 weeks after laser treatment. CONCLUSION: The Er:YAG laser plays a role in the treatment of superficial rhytids.
BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that pulsed char-free carbon dioxide lasers are effective in the treatment of rhytids. However, these lasers produce thermal damage with the potential for prolonged wound healing. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we evaluated the role of the erbium (Er):YAG laser in the treatment of rhytids. This laser, with a wavelength of 2940 nm, produces little thermal damage. METHODS: Twenty patients were treated with the Er:YAG laser. Perioral, periorbital, and forehead rhytids were treated. Pulsed of energy varying between 400 and 800 mJ were used; spot sizes between 2.5 and 5 mm were chosen. Patients were evaluated at 2 days, 1 month, and 2 months for erythema, time of healing, degree of improvement, and pigmentary charges. RESULTS: All 20 patients showed improvement of their rhytids. Reepitheliation occurred between 4 and 10 days. Postoperative of eythema resolved in less than 2 weeks. Clinical improvement occurred between 3 and 8 weeks after laser treatment. CONCLUSION: The Er:YAG laser plays a role in the treatment of superficial rhytids.
Authors: Kurt J Linden; Christian P Pfeffer; John Gary Sousa; Nicholas D'Alleva; Arash Aslani; Grzegorz Gorski; Margaret Kenna; Dennis S Poe Journal: Proc SPIE Int Soc Opt Eng Date: 2013-03-08