Low-Fluence Treatment with a novel fractionated 2,910 nm Fiber Laser improves Photodamage.

BACKGROUND
Facial rejuvenation by lasers that target water has been a mainstay of esthetic laser treatments for decades. Modern lasers more commonly treat a fraction of the skin surface using ablative, semi-ablative or non-ablative pulses.


METHODS
Twenty subjects with visible evidence of chronic photoaging on the face were enrolled in this study. All subjects received two full face, single pass treatments spaced 2 months apart with the superficial mode of a 2,910 nm fiber laser with an estimated penetration depth of 10 microns, 25% coverage, delivered in a 15mm x 15mm square microbeam pattern. Blinded comparison of pre- and 3-month post-treatment images was performed. Biopsy samples for evaluation of laser-tissue effects was performed on 3 separate subjects and harvested 1-day, 1-week, and 2-weeks post-treatment.


RESULTS
Blinded evaluation of digital images revealed an average improvement score of 25.1. + 14.5 (mean + sem) or 25.1%, using an 11-point scale evaluating overall improvement in photoaging (p<0.001). Post-treatment effects were limited to mild-to-moderate erythema and edema, and pain was rated a 1.9 out of maximum of 10. Histology demonstrated superficial changes in the stratum corneum and epidermis with dermal inflammation present at 1-day and 1-week post-treatment, with return to baseline at 2-weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
The 2,910 nm fiber laser is safe and effective for improving mild photodamage, with minimal discomfort and downtime. Dermal inflammation results from very superficial epidermal injury and may contribute to clinical improvement. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.