Low density, non-ablative fractional CO2 laser rejuvenation

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Aesthetic Medicine
• Laser Technology

Background:

• Fractional skin rejuvenation is a growing field with various laser techniques.
• Non-ablative and ablative lasers are used, with recent focus on low spot density and high fluences for better results, especially in darker skin types.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a concern, particularly in darker skin tones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical outcome of non-ablative fractional CO(2) laser treatments.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a single pass with low spot density in fractional laser therapy.
• To assess improvements in skin texture, wrinkles, and dermal density.

Main Methods:

• A CO(2) laser system capable of fractional treatments with varying microthermal zones (MTZ)/cm(2) was used.
• Twelve patients received three treatment sessions on the perioral area at 1-month intervals.
• Treatments utilized a spot density of 64 MTZ/cm(2), 0.5 mm spot diameter, 36-60 mJ energy, and 3-5 milliseconds pulse duration, with follow-up at 3 months.

Main Results:

• 72.7% of patients showed statistically significant improvement in ultrasonographically determined dermal density (average 40.2% increase).
• 80% of volunteers reported fair to excellent reduction in visible perioral wrinkles.
• 62.5% of volunteers reported fair to excellent clearance of irregular pigmentation.

Conclusions:

• Non-ablative fractional CO(2) laser treatments with low spot density yield significant improvements in skin.
• The study demonstrates both subjective and objective enhancements in skin texture, wrinkles, pigmentation, and dermal density.
• This treatment approach offers a viable option for skin rejuvenation with positive clinical outcomes.