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Full-Field Erbium:YAG Laser Resurfacing: Complications and Suggested Safety Parameters
Frederick G Weniger, Allan A Weidman1, Carlos E Barrero Castedo2
1University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA.
Aesthetic Surgery Journal
|February 29, 2020
Summary
Erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser skin resurfacing offers an effective alternative to CO2 lasers. This study establishes safe parameters for Er:YAG treatments, correlating deeper ablation with higher complication rates for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Aesthetic Medicine
- Laser Technology
Background:
- Erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) lasers represent an advancement in skin resurfacing, aiming to mitigate complications associated with traditional CO2 laser treatments.
- Despite their availability, established safety parameters for effective Er:YAG laser resurfacing have been lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze complication rates associated with various energy levels and facial areas treated with Er:YAG laser resurfacing.
- To provide evidence-based, safe energy and depth parameters for treating specific facial regions using Er:YAG lasers.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review of full-field confluent laser resurfacing procedures performed with an Er:YAG laser over an 8-year period.
- Analysis of treatment settings, outcomes, and complication rates across different facial areas and ablation depths.
Main Results:
- Overall complication rates were 10.1% for MicroLaserPeels (≤50 µm ablation) and 26.5% for deep resurfacing.
- In deep resurfacing, the perioral area exhibited the highest complication rate (38.6%), followed by eyelids, cheeks, nose, and forehead.
- A direct correlation was observed between increased ablation depth and a higher incidence of complications.
Conclusions:
- Er:YAG laser resurfacing is confirmed as an efficacious treatment modality.
- The findings provide crucial guidance for implementing safer treatment protocols to achieve excellent outcomes in laser skin resurfacing.
