A prospective, randomized, double-blind comparison of an ablative fractional 2940-nm erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser with a nonablative fractional 1550-nm erbium-doped glass laser for the treatment of photoaged Asian skin. (2nd November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moon, Hye-Rim; Yun, Woo-Jin; Lee, Ye Jin; Lee, Mi-Woo; Chang, SungEun
• Is Part Of: Journal of dermatological treatment. Volume 26:Number 6(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 551
• Page End: 557
• Publication Date: 2015-11-02
• Subjects: Fractional ablative Er:YAG laser -- fractional nonablative Er:glass laser -- fractional laser resurfacing; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- drug therapy -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- therapy -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.3109/09546634.2014.999020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-6634

Abstract

Abstract: Background : As compared with ablative fractional CO2 laser, ablative fractional erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser is considered to be a more suitable treatment option for photoaged skin in Asians due to the lower incidence of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Objective : To compare the efficacy and safety of ablative fractional Er:YAG laser (ablative fractional resurfacing [AFR]) and nonablative fractional 1550-nm Er:glass laser (non-AFR [NAFR]) in the treatment of photoaging. Methods : This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded comparative study. In three sessions, at four-week intervals, 19 patients received Er:YAG AFR, and 15 patients received Er:glass NAFR. Pigmentation, uneven tone/erythema, wrinkles and overall features of photoaging were scored. Patient satisfaction, adverse effects and pain scores were recorded. Melanin and erythema indexes were measured. Results : Reductions in pigmentation and uneven tone/erythema scores were significantly greater after Er:YAG AFR, while wrinkle score reduction was significantly greater after Er:glass NAFR. Physician and patient assessments for the overall features showed greater improvement in the Er:glass NAFR. Treatment-related pain or adverse events were less in the Er:YAG AFR. Conclusion : Both Er:YAG AFR and Er:glass NAFR are effective and safe and could be used in a complementary manner for treating photoaged Asian skin.