Photorejuvenation with submillisecond neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (1,064 nm) laser: a 24-week follow-up.

BACKGROUND

Thinning of the epidermis and dermis, coarse skin texture, wrinkling, pigmentation, and telangiectasias characterize photodamaged skin. Noninvasive and nonablative treatment that can improve each of the different components of photodamaged skin in one step is of growing interest.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the submillisecond 1,064-nm long-pulse neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in the rejuvenation of photodamaged skin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve Korean women, aged 32 to 58, received a series of five full-face treatments at 3- to 6-week (average of 4-week) intervals using a nonablative 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser (fluence 13-14 J/cm(2), pulse duration 0.3 ms, handpiece 5 mm, repetition rate 7 pulses/s). Subject and investigators clinical evaluation; photographs; and Mexameter, Sebumeter, and Visiometer analysis of silicone replica of the left cheek were taken at baseline and before the third, fourth, and fifth procedures. RESULTS Subjects and the investigator noted clinically significant improvement in elasticity, dyschromia, wrinkles, and fine lines (p=.02). The investigator also noticed improvement in texture and pore size (p=.02). Mexameter and Visiometer confirmed these results; skin roughness, texture, and pigmentation (p=.02).

CONCLUSION

A submillisecond 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser was a safe and effective photorejuvenation method on photodamaged skin, without downtime.