ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) and nonablative 1927-nm fractional thulium fiber laser (TFL) are widely used for skin rejuvenation treatment. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and safety of combined treatment with both devices for wrinkles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with wrinkles were enrolled. One side of the face was treated with FMR alone, while the other side was treated with a combination of FMR and TFL. Each treatment consisted of 3 sessions at four-week intervals and patients were followed up 12 weeks after the last treatment. Overall improvement was assessed by patient global assessment (PGA) and investigator global assessment (IGA). Depression scores for the evaluation of wrinkles were objectively assessed by Antera 3D system. RESULTS: Both sides of the face led to clinical improvement in both mean PGA and IGA. Combination treatment demonstrated a greater improvement in both mean PGA and IGA compared with FMR alone. In addition, wrinkle grading scales and depression scores showed greater improvement in the combination group than in FMR alone. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that FMR and TFL comprise a good combination treatment for the treatment of wrinkles because both treatments have a synergistic effect on wrinkle improvement.
Subject(s)
Cosmetic Techniques , Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use , Low-Level Light Therapy/methods , Radiofrequency Ablation/methods , Skin Aging/radiation effects , Combined Modality Therapy , Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects , Female , Humans , Lasers, Solid-State/adverse effects , Low-Level Light Therapy/adverse effects , Male , Middle Aged , Needles , Prospective Studies , Radiofrequency Ablation/adverse effects , Rejuvenation , ThuliumABSTRACT
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-9 plays an important role in wound healing. However, the effects of non-ablative laser treatment on the expression of FGF9 have not been fully investigated. Non-ablative 1064-nm quasi-long pulsed and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatments were delivered to hairless mice with and without a carbon photoenhancer. For histological and immunohistochemical analyses, sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin as well as FGF9 antibody. Significantly, increased epidermal and dermal thickness was noted in mice treated with carbon photoenhancer-assisted quasi-long pulsed or Q-switched laser treatments compared to those treated without a carbon photoenhancer. Expression of FGF9 was observed in both the epidermis and dermis in all groups of mice during the healing process. Earlier and more pronounced expression of FGF9 was detected in mice treated with carbon photoenhancer-assisted quasi-long pulsed laser therapy. In addition, two peaks of pronounced FGF9 expression were observed, especially in mice that underwent carbon photoenhancer-assisted 1064-nm quasi-long pulsed Nd:YAG laser treatment. A carbon photoenhancer seems to enhance the effect of quasi-long pulsed and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment. In addition, expression of FGF9 may play an important role in the healing process after laser treatments and could contribute to histometric changes.
Subject(s)
Epidermis/metabolism , Fibroblast Growth Factor 9/biosynthesis , Lasers, Solid-State , Animals , Carbon/administration & dosage , Epidermis/pathology , Low-Level Light Therapy , Mice , Mice, Hairless , Snail Family Transcription Factors , Transcription Factors/biosynthesis , Wound Healing/physiology , Wound Healing/radiation effectsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The treatment of inflammatory and noninflammatory acne still presents problems to patients and dermatologists. A new technique using two different sets of 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser parameters has been developed in combination with a topical carbon lotion. A preliminary test of the efficacy of this new treatment technique is reported. SUBJECT AND METHODS: A 14-y-old girl presented with moderate to severe pustular and cystic acne over the bilateral cheeks and chin. Following topical local anesthesia, a topical carbon lotion was applied to the face, and a Q-switched frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser was used first in a quasi-long pulsed mode (a 300-µs pulse width at 1.1-1.5 J/cm(2)) followed immediately by a Q-switched mode (5-nsec pulse width, 1.5-2.0 J/cm(2)) using a 7-mm handpiece for both modes. Six treatments were given, 2 weeks apart. RESULTS: The procedure was well-tolerated. By the fourth treatment significant improvement was observed, and by the sixth treatment, better than 90% clearance of inflammatory lesions was achieved. At the 8-week follow-up after the last treatment, long-lasting improvements in the patient's acne were noted. Improvement was also noted in closed comedones and in the general skin condition, especially pores, sebum reduction, and the red spots seen after inflammatory acne. The patient was satisfied with the result. CONCLUSIONS: This new, minimally invasive technique as a stand-alone treatment gave very good clearance of inflammatory acne with minimal patient down time. Marked reduction in active acne was observed during treatments and at the 2-month follow-up visit. Further improvement could probably be achieved with other adjunctive therapeutic modalities.
