The effects of variable pulse width of Er:YAG laser on facial skin.

BACKGROUND

The use of CO2 and Er:YAG lasers for resurfacing has increased significantly in the past few years. Er:YAG laser causes pinpoint bleeding during and after treatment with a typical pulse width of 250 microsec. A longer pulse of Er:YAG laser can potentially coagulate dermal blood vessels and increase the residual thermal damage (RTD).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of various pulse durations of Er:YAG laser on the depth of RTD and bleeding.

METHODS

The preauricular skin of a volunteer was exposed to Er:YAG laser at 250-, 350-, and 700-microsec pulse durations, with a fluence of 5 J/cm2. The number of passes varied between 6 and 16. The treated skin was excised and a histologic evaluation was done.

RESULTS

The maximum depth of RTD was 50 microm and there was decreased bleeding with a 700-microsec pulse duration.

CONCLUSION

The increased pulse duration of Er:YAG laser of 700 micros does not increase the maximum reported RTD and therefore would not change the recovery time and may have a beneficial effect on hemostasis.