A Split-Face Assessment of the Synergistic Potential of Sequential Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser and 1565 nm Fractional Nonablative Laser Treatment for Facial Rejuvenation in Fitzpatrick Skin Type II-V Patients.

Recent appreciation of the multifactorial pathophysiology of skin aging has led to increased use of parallel treatment regimens. This prospective, split-face, randomized study assessed the safety and efficacy of same-day sequential Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and 1565 nm non-ablative fractional laser (SST) facial rejuvenation treatment in comparison to fractional non-ablative laser (NAFL) treatment only. Seventeen patients underwent three treatment sessions, conducted at 4-6-week intervals, in which SST treatment was delivered on a randomly selected side of the face followed by NAFL treatment on the contralateral side immediately thereafter. Immediate skin responses were assessed within 30 minutes of treatment, while wrinkle/elastosis scores, and skin tone and texture were evaluated 1, 3, and 6 months following the final treatment session. While SST and NAFL proved equally safe, SST was associated with signi cantly lower pain scores in all three treatment sessions. Both treatment regimens yielded signi cant improvements in wrinkle/elastosis scores, which were maintained throughout the 6 months of follow up. Physician-evaluated skin tone and patient ratings of skin texture and overall improvement of the SST-treated side were consistently higher than the contralateral NAFL-treated side. Histological analysis suggested a broader effect, alongside sparing of the outermost epidermal layer with the SST versus NAFL treatment. Although the SST regimen failed to demonstrate statistically signi cant clinical superiority over the NAFL regimen, the significantly lower pain levels, consistently higher physician and patient ratings following SST may justify its regular use as a skin rejuvenation technique. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1335-1342..