Fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of facial wrinkle in Asians.

BACKGROUND

Fractional photothermolysis is a novel aesthetic-laser-surgical modality for the treatment of facial wrinkle in Caucasians apart from other conventional treatments. However there are limited reports regarding the effectiveness and side effects of this treatment in Asians' skin.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of 1550 nm Erbium fiber Laser as a treatment for facial wrinkle in Asians'skin (Fitzpatrick's skin type III-V).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Twenty patients with mild to moderate facial wrinkle were included in the study. Half of the forehead in each patient was randomized to receive the treatment and the other half served as control. The treatment was done with FINE SCAN 1550 (TNC SPECTRONICS, Bangkok, Thailand), 1550 nm Erbium fiber laser once a week for 8 successive treatments. Photographs had been taken by VISIA at 0, 4 weeks and 12 weeks after the treatment and were evaluated by three experienced dermatologists using a quartile grading scale. Patient satisfaction score and side effects during each treatment were also recorded.

RESULTS

At 4 weeks after the treatment, mean wrinkle, dyspigmentation, irregularities and the overall improvement scores were 0.35, 0.10, 0.20 and 0.50 respectively. At 12 weeks post treatment, the score decreased to 0.20, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.20. All of the improvement scores were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the treatment group than the control group except for the dyspigmentation improvement score. Patients' satisfaction score was graded as 2 (good) in 35% (7/20) of the patients. Side effects included transient erythema and edema which were mild and self-limited. Mean pain score using visual analog scale was 1.32. No serious side effect was observed.

CONCLUSION

Fractional photothermolysis with 1550 nm Erbium fiber Laser is one of the effective treatments for facial wrinkle. However; the improvement score decreased with time. Side effects are few and tolerable, even in patients with Fitzpatrick's skin type III-V