A systematic review of comparative studies of CO2 and erbium:YAG lasers in resurfacing facial rhytides (wrinkles). (19th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Kee-Hsin; Tam, Ka-Wai; Chen, I-fan; Huang, Shihping Kevin; Tzeng, Pei-Chuan; Wang, Hsian-Jenn; Chen, Chiehfeng (Cliff)
• Is Part Of: Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy. Volume 19:Number 4(2017:Aug.)
• Page Start: 199
• Page End: 204
• Publication Date: 2017-05-19
• Subjects: CO2 -- erbium:YAG laser -- rhytides -- wrinkles; Skin -- Laser surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 617.477
• DOI: 10.1080/14764172.2017.1288261
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-4172

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : Laser resurfacing is used to minimize wrinkles, solar scars and sequelae of acne.Objective : Purpose of the systematic review was to compare resurfacing outcomes of CO2 laser and erbium: yttrium aluminium garnet (erb:YAG) laser therapies.Materials and methods : Medline, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases were searched until 9 April 2015 using the following terms: laser, carbon dioxide/CO2, facial wrinkles, rhytides and erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet/erbium:YAG/Er:YAG. Two-armed controlled split faced studies that compared CO2 laser and erbium:YAG laser in patients with mild-to-moderate facial wrinkles or rhytides were included.Results : The pooled data in this study and findings of other studies support the greater efficacy with the CO2 laser in improving facial wrinkles, but the erb:YAG laser was associated with a better complication profile compared with the CO2 laser. Except one case of hypopigmentation, other complications (i.e., erythema, hyperpigmentation and crusting) and their rates were reported by studies examining both lasers.Conclusion : In general, the CO2 laser appeared to be more efficacious then the erb:YAG laser in treating facial wrinkles. Both lasers treatments were well tolerated.