RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: There are several treatment modalities for mild to moderate photodamage. The demand for effective treatments with minimal side effects has increased. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of short-pulsed erbium:YAG laser in treating mild to moderate photodamage. METHODS: Twenty patients were treated with the short-pulse erbium:YAG laser on the face and neck. One pass was given over the entire face with two to three passes over the perioral and periorbital regions. Patients were evaluated for improvement of pigmentary irregularities, skin texture, and fine wrinkles. All side effects were recorded at follow-up visits. Two lasers were used, Sciton and Cynosure CO3, under local anesthesia. RESULTS: There was a 58% reduction in pigment irregularities and a 54% improvement in skin texture. There was minimal improvement in fine wrinkles with one pass. Two and three passes resulted in a 50% reduction in wrinkles. The procedure was minimally painful. Side effects included 3 to 5 days of erythema and edema. Patients returned to work within 3 days on average. There were no infections. Patient satisfaction with the procedure was rated as very good. There was no difference in efficacy or adverse effects with either laser. CONCLUSIONS: One-pass short-pulse erbium:YAG laser in treating photodamage of the face and neck is safe and effective. There are minimal side effects and patients heal within 3 to 5 days.
Asunto(s)
Dermatosis Facial/radioterapia , Terapia por Luz de Baja Intensidad , Envejecimiento de la Piel/efectos de la radiación , Erbio , Dermatosis Facial/patología , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Cuello , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Envejecimiento de la Piel/patología , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Photorejuvenation involves the use of a light source or laser in reversing the signs of aging. The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) has demonstrated effectiveness in treating signs of photodamage. Photodynamic therapy is a relatively new and promising treatment for actinic keratoses. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of ALA-IPL in treating actinic keratoses as well as reversing the signs of aging. METHODS: A retrospective trial of 17 patients treated with ALA-IPL. Patients were evaluated for improvement of telangiectasias, blotchy pigment, fine wrinkles, coarseness of skin and number of actinic keratoses. All side effects were recorded. RESULTS: 68% of actinic keratoses resolved after one treatment. There was a 55% improvement in telangiectasias, a 48% improvement in pigmentary irregularities and a 25% improvement in coarseness of skin texture. There was minimal change in fine wrinkle appearance. Side effects were minimal including mild erythema and edema for 3-5 days on average. No infections were noted. CONCLUSIONS: ALA-IPL treatment is effective in treating both actinic keratoses and signs of photodamage. In this study, we achieved significant improvement after just one treatment. ALA-IPL is a safe, effective way to treat both actinic keratoses and photodamage with little down time.