Characterizing Laser-Induced Wound Healing Dynamics Using Line-Field Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography

To examine how serial line-field optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) imaging can visualize early tissue-response patterns following UltraClear Laser-Coring treatment in a single-subject self-imaging model, with secondary evaluation of the impact of a regenerative serum.

A single subject self-imaging demonstration was performed using 2910 nm UltraClear Laser-Coring treatments applied to bilateral volar forearms. The left arm received a regenerative serum, while the right arm received petroleum jelly and served as a comparator. Serial dermoscopy and LC-OCT imaging (deepLive LC-OCT system Damae Medical, Paris, France) was performed from Day 1 to Day 18 to document the imaging characteristics of laser-created microchannels over time. LC-OCT features of interest included keratinocyte behavior, nuclear morphology, stratum corneum reformation, and dermal remodeling.

LC-OCT enabled visualization of progressive epithelial coverage over the laser-induced microchannels, with near-complete surface continuity apparent by Day 4. Stratum corneum-like hyperreflective layering reappeared between Days 4 and 18. Nuclear contour and reflectivity changes on LC-OCT corresponded to expected patterns of cellular activation and maturation. Dermal vessel dilation and increasing fiber definition were observed between Days 8 and 18. No meaningful differences in LC-OCT appearance were observed between serum-treated and control sites.

LC-OCT proved effective for documenting the in vivo imaging features associated with UltraClear Laser-Coring treatment. Serial LC-OCT imaging revealed distinct epidermal and dermal healing patterns. This technical demonstration supports the feasibility of using LC-OCT to visualize laser-induced tissue effects in real time.