Noninvasive Atrophic Acne Scar Treatment in Asians With a 755-nm Picosecond Laser Using A Diffractive Optic Lens—A Retrospective Photographic Review

755-nm Picosecond Laser With Diffractive Lens Array for Acne Scars in Fitzpatrick Skin Types V and VI

BACKGROUND

Patients commonly complain about the appearance of acne scars. While various lasers and energy-based devices can offer clinical improvement, many of them are limited in treating patients with skin of color. Concerns exist regarding efficacy and safety, including risks of scarring, prolonged dyspigmentation, necrosis, and burns.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the utility of a 755-nm picosecond laser with fractionated lens array in improving the clinical appearance of acne scars in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective clinical study investigated this laser using up to 5 monthly treatments.

RESULTS

Twenty-four subjects were enrolled, while 17 subjects completed a 3-month follow-up. The mean age was 33.9 years, and 95.8% of the subjects were women. Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI were represented. Assessments compared baseline to 3-month follow-up. Two of the 3 blinded reviewers agreed on identifying pretreatment and post-treatment photographs for 82.4% of the cases. For physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, 100% of the subjects had clinical improvement. Overall, 94.1% of subjects were satisfied with their treatment. No serious or unanticipated adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

A 755-nm picosecond laser with fractionated lens array can safely and effectively improve acne scars in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI.

Paired Treatment Using Radiofrequency Microneedling and 755-nm Picosecond Laser With Fractionated Lens Array for Facial Rejuvenation

BACKGROUND

Patients frequently complain about fine lines, wrinkles, dyschromia, and photoaging, for which lasers and energy-based devices can treat each of these. Pairing various devices in a single treatment session can be safe and effective, but different technologies, mechanisms, histologies, parameters, and techniques must be considered.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the utility of a paired treatment regimen using radiofrequency microneedling and 755-nm picosecond laser with fractionated lens array to improve the clinical appearance of facial wrinkles and photoaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective clinical study investigated this paired treatment regimen using 4 monthly sessions.

RESULTS

Twenty-five subjects were enrolled, while 18 subjects completed 3-month follow-up. The mean age was 54 years, and 92% were women. Fitzpatrick Skin Types I to IV were represented. Assessments compared baseline with the 3-month follow-up. Two of 3 blinded reviewers agreed in identifying pretreatment and post-treatment photographs for 94.4% of cases. For physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, 100% of subjects had clinical improvement. Overall, 88.9% of subjects were considered to be satisfied with their treatment. No serious or unanticipated adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

Paired treatment using radiofrequency microneedling and 755-nm picosecond laser with fractionated lens array can safely and effectively improve facial wrinkles and photoaging.

Comparison of the fractionated Nd: YAG 1064-nm picosecond laser with holographic optics and the fractional CO2 laser in atrophic acne scar treatment: a prospective, randomized, split-face study

KEY POINT

The 1064-nm picosecond laser with holographic optics demonstrated significant efficacy in treating atrophic acne scars.

BACKGROUND

Picosecond lasers with fractionated optics have enabled the development of a breakthrough skin rejuvenation method. The authors compared the fractionated, non-ablative neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet 1064-nm picosecond laser with holographic optics and the fractional CO2 laser in treating atrophic acne scars.

METHODS

One side of each patient's face was randomly allocated and treated with three sessions of the 1064-nm picosecond laser with holographic optics at 2-month intervals. In contrast, the other side was treated with the fractional CO2 laser. Participants were followed up 3 months after the final session. The primary outcome included the physicians' evaluation using the ECCA grading scale and a four-point scale to assess improvement. The patients' assessment of progress, their overall satisfaction and preferences, and the side effects were also evaluated.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed between the two lasers in terms of the mean ECCA scores after treatments (P = 0.209). The physicians' improvement assessment was more significant for the fractional CO2 laser (P = 0.001). The patients' evaluation of improvement and subjective satisfaction were consistent with physicians' four-point scale results. The picosecond laser side had fewer adverse effects (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The fractionated, non-ablative Nd: YAG 1064-nm picosecond laser with holographic optics and the fractional CO2 laser were effective and safe in treating atrophic acne scars. Significantly better clinical outcomes were observed with the fractional CO2 laser, whereas fewer adverse effects were noted with the 1064-nm picosecond laser with holographic optics.

Cosmetic Considerations in Dark-Skinned Patients

For dermatologists, diversities of human races result in an opportunity to encounter patients with various skin types. Cosmetic procedures have gained more popularity and become more accessible over the past decades. Thus, the selection of appropriate treatment protocol for each patient becomes inevitable. This review will focus on basic knowledge and key points in performing safe cosmetic-related procedures in patients with dark-complexioned skin. In terms of structure and function of the skin, people of color have equal epidermal thickness, corneocyte size and melanocyte number. However, they have more stratum corneum compaction, melanosome dispersion and melanocyte activity than fair skin individuals. Data regarding drug penetration and cutaneous irritation showed conflicting results. Superficial chemical peels and microdermabrasion can be done safely in dark-skinned patients. Medium-depth peel should be used with extreme caution. While deep-depth peel should be avoided at all times due to pigmentary and textural complications. Prolonged treatment interval, use of priming agents and sun protection are recommended. Injectable materials including botulinum toxin and soft tissue augmentation by hyaluronic acid filler can be done harmlessly in dark-skinned patients. Lasers and energy-based devices should be done with caution. Higher melanin dispersion and melanocyte activity acts as competitive chromophore. Pigmentary or textural changes can occur after aggressive treatment protocol. High energy setting, pulse stacking, short wavelength lasers and short treatment interval should be avoided in dark-skinned patients.

A Review of Laser Therapies for the Treatment of Scarring and Vascular Anomalies

Significance: Laser use has become part of the gold standard of treatment as an effective adjuvant in multimodal therapy for pathologic scarring caused by burns, trauma, acne, and surgery, as well as vascular anomalies. Understanding indications and applications for laser therapy is essential for physicians to improve patient outcomes. Recent Advances: Since the 1980s, the medical use of lasers has continuously evolved with improvements in technology. Novel lasers and fractionated technologies are currently being studied in the hopes to improve treatment efficacy, while reducing complications. Recent advancements include acne treatment with novel picosecond lasers, new hypertrophic scar therapies with simultaneous laser and intense pulsed light use, and novel systems such as lasers with intralesional optical fiber delivery devices. In addition, optimizing the timing of laser therapy and its use in multimodal treatments continue to advance the field of photothermolysis. Critical Issues: Selecting the correct laser for a given indication is the fundamental decision when choosing a laser balancing effective treatment with minimal complications. This article covers the principles of laser therapy, the preferred lasers used for the treatment of scarring and vascular anomalies, and discusses the current evidence behind these laser choices. Future Directions: To optimize laser therapy, larger randomized control trials and split scar studies are needed. Continued advancement through better randomized controlled studies will help to improve patient outcomes on a broader scale.

Improvement in linear depressed atrophic scar using 755-nm picosecond alexandrite laser vs. ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser

ABBREVIATIONS

AFL = ablative fractional laser, CO₂= carbon dioxide, LiOB = laser-induced optical breakdown, PIH = postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, mVSS = Modified Vancouver scar scale.

Review of Lasers and Energy-Based Devices for Skin Rejuvenation and Scar Treatment With Histologic Correlations

BACKGROUND

Lasers and energy-based devices (EBD) are popular treatments for skin rejuvenation and resurfacing. Achieving desired outcomes and avoiding complications require understanding the effects of these devices at a histologic level. Currently, no comprehensive review summarizing the histologic effects of laser and energy-based treatments exists.

OBJECTIVE

To describe how lasers and EBD alter skin histology and improve the overall understanding of these devices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A PubMed search was conducted for studies with histologic analysis of fractional picosecond laser, fractional radiofrequency microneedling, nonablative lasers, and ablative lasers.

RESULTS

Fractional picosecond lasers induce intraepidermal and/or dermal vacuoles from laser-induced optical breakdown. Fractional radiofrequency microneedling delivers thermal energy to the dermis while sparing the epidermis, making it safer for patients with darker skin phototypes. Fractional nonablative lasers induce conical zones of coagulation of the epidermis and upper dermis. Ablative lasers vaporize the stratum corneum down to the dermis. Traditional ablative lasers cause diffuse vaporization while fractional ablative lasers generate columns of tissue ablation.

CONCLUSION

Lasers and EBD are effective for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation and have different mechanisms with disparate targets in the skin. Safe and effective use of devices requires understanding the histologic laser-tissue interaction.

Favorable Effect after Single Treatment Session of 755-nm Picosecond Laser with A Diffractive Optic Lens on Facial Wrinkles and Pore Size in Asians

OBJECTIVES

Laser therapy has become one of the mainstay treatments for improving signs of aging including wrinkles, large pores, and skin pigmentation. However, in patients with pigmented skin, an increase in complications including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) has been noted. The purpose of this study is to investigate not only the safety profile of 755 nm picosecond laser with diffractive lens array (DLA) at approximately 2250 pulses on the face in people with darker skin, but also to evaluate its efficacy in treating wrinkles and pore sizes after one treatment session among different age groups.

METHODS

This single-center, retrospective study enrolled patients between age 22 to 65 with both facial wrinkles and enlarged pore sizes. A total of 46 patients (7 male, 39 female, mean age 43) with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV were enrolled. Two independent data-blinded dermatologists assessed and scored the improvements of patients' wrinkles and pore sizes using photographs.

RESULTS

After one treatment session, statistically significant improvements were observed in lateral canthal wrinkles (p<0.001) and facial wrinkles (p=0.014). In addition, greater percentage of the patients from the aged group (50-65 years-old) showed clinically significant improvement as compared to the younger group.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with type III and IV skin, one session of DLA picosecond laser treatment at around 2250 pulses to the face is safe and effective for clinically meaningful improvement of the wrinkles and pore sizes, especially for the patients from 50- to 65-years of age.

Energy-based devices for the treatment of acne scars: 2021 international consensus recommendations

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Acne scars are one of the most distressing and long-term consequences of acne vulgaris, with damaging effect on a person's physical, mental, and social well-being. Numerous treatment options are available including surgical and nonsurgical techniques, depending on the clinical presentation. Although considerable advances in the development of new treatment technologies and applications have been made in the last decade, international treatment guidelines and reimbursement schemes have not yet caught up with current knowledge and practice in many centers. The authors intend to highlight the potential utility of energy-based devices (EBDs) for acne scarring, offer recommendations for safe and efficacious treatment, and provide consensus-based EBD treatment options based on varying presentations demonstrated in a series of real-life clinical photographs.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

An international panel of 24 dermatologists and plastic surgeons from 12 different countries and a variety of practice backgrounds was self-assembled to develop updated consensus recommendations for the treatment of acne scars. A two-step modified Delphi method took place between March 2020 and February 2021 consisting of two rounds of emailed questionnaires. The panel members approved the final manuscript via email correspondence.

RESULTS

The manuscript includes a comprehensive discussion and panel recommendations regarding the following topics: 1. the role of EBD in mitigating and treating acne scars in a patient with active acne, 2. the use of various EBDs for the treatment of different acne scar types with special focus on commonly used laser platform such as vascular lasers, ablative fractional lasers (AFLs) and non-AFLs (NAFLs), 3. treatment combinations, and 4. acne scar treatments in skin of color. The last part comprised of 10 photos of real-life clinical cases with the panel recommendation treatment plan to achieve best aesthetic outcome.

CONCLUSION

Panel members were unanimous in their view that EBDs have a role in the management of acne scars, with AFLs, NAFLs, vascular lasers, and RF devices preferentially selected by most of the panel experts. EBDs are considered a first-line treatment for a variety of acne scar types and patients without access to these treatments may not be receiving the best available care for optimal cosmetic results. Future high-quality research and updated international treatment guidelines and reimbursement schemes should reflect this status.

755-nm Alexandrite Picosecond Laser with a Diffractive Lens Array or Zoom Handpiece for Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Two Case Reports with a Three-Year Follow-Up

Objective

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a reactive hypermelanosis of various skin types, which occurs as a sequela of cutaneous inflammation or injury. Despite generally a self-limited and temporary condition, PIH is still a frustrating problem that can have significant psychosocial effects on patients, especially those with darker skin types. Laser therapy is one of the effective treatments for PIH, and various wavelength lasers and light devices have been utilized in PIH therapy. Nonetheless, data on the long-term efficacy of the 755-nm alexandrite picosecond laser are limited.

Methods

This study analyzed two cases of PIH treated with a combination of a 755-nm alexandrite picosecond laser and a diffractive lens array or zoom handpiece. Efficacy of the treatment was determined by the images of skin lesions under a fixed light source before and after each treatment, which were independently reviewed by two plastic-surgery specialists blinded to the clinical data. Improvement was classified as complete (>75%), significant (50–75%), mild (25–50%), and inefficient (<25% or no obvious change). Skin imaging analysis was carried out using the VISIA system (Canfield, USA), and dermoscopy was performed at the same time.

Results

After two to three courses of treatment, all cases showed significant or complete improvement, and no recurrence was observed during the three years of follow-up.

Conclusion

A 755-nm alexandrite picosecond laser in combination with a diffractive lens array or zoom handpiece had significant and long-term efficacy for the treatment of PIH caused by trauma. However, attention should be paid to the problem of transient deepening of pigmentation during treatment.

Treatment of abdominal striae distensae in Fitzpatrick skin types IV to V using a 1064-nm picosecond laser with a fractionated microlens array

BACKGROUND

Striae distensae are atrophic dermal scars that can cause psychosocial distress among affected patients. Despite numerous available therapeutic modalities, no gold standard treatment has been established.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of a fractional 1064-nm picosecond laser for the treatment of striae alba in individuals with dark skin types.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty volunteers with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-V who presented with striae alba were enrolled. Subjects were treated with a fractional 1064-nm picosecond laser for four sessions at 4-week intervals. The skin texture, average melanin index (MI), and melanin variation score were assessed using Antera 3D® before treatment, at 1 month after the second treatment, and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment. Two independent investigators evaluated clinical improvement by comparing pretreatment and posttreatment photographs. The patient satisfaction rates were likewise assessed. Adverse effects were recorded during the entire study period.

RESULTS

Significant improvement of skin texture was seen at 1 month after the final treatment (p < 0.001) and continuously improved until the 6-month follow-up visit (p = 0.003). The average MI significantly increased at 1 month after the final treatment (p < 0.001), whereas the melanin variation score decreased throughout the follow-up period. Investigator assessment at the 6-month follow-up revealed that 90% of subjects had moderate to marked improvement of striae appearance. Only two of 20 subjects (10%) developed transient postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after laser treatment.

CONCLUSION

Fractional picosecond 1064-nm laser is effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of striae alba in dark-skinned individuals with a low incidence of PIH.

A case report on the use of 755-nm alexandrite picosecond laser in the treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in the nose

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a common sequela of acute or chronic cutaneous inflammation, is an acquired pigmentary disorder. The main treatments for PIH, such as topical agents, photoprotection, and chemical peeling, demonstrated different efficacies with inconsistent outcomes. Here, we reported a case of nasal PIH treated using a 755-nm alexandrite picosecond laser. The patient (female, aged 36 years) presented with a brown macula on the left side of the nasal dorsum 2 years ago, received treatment, and was followed up in the Plastic Surgery Department of Beijing hospital.

The Efficacy and Safety of Fractional 1064 nm Nd:YAG Picosecond Laser Combined With Intense Pulsed Light in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scar: A Split-Face Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fractional 1064 nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser combined with intense pulsed light (IPL) in the treatment of atrophic acne scar with post-inflammatory erythema (PIE). © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventeen patients received five sessions of treatment at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and were followed up at week 28. One half of the face was randomly treated by fractional 1064 nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser combined with IPL (FxPico + IPL), and the other by IPL alone as a control.

RESULTS

For the 15 patients who completed the study, the FxPico + IPL side demonstrated significant median Échelle D'évaluation clinique des cicatrices D'acné (ECCA) score improvement (P < 0.01), while IPL alone side did not (P = 0.1250). The pore counts for both sides decreased but more pore count reduction was seen on the FxPico + IPL side (P < 0.05). Better scar improvement was observed on the FxPico + IPL-treated side (P < 0.05) while no difference in erythema improvement was seen between the two sides. There was no difference between the two treatments in terms of overall satisfaction. Pain, erythema, edema, petechiae, crusting, reactive acneiform eruptions, and pruritus were common adverse effects and were mild to moderate.

CONCLUSION

FxPico + IPL is an effective, efficient, and safe treatment regimen for atrophic acne scars complicated by PIE.

Objective and Long-Term Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a 1064-nm Picosecond Laser With Fractionated Microlens Array for the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scar in Asians

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Fractional 1064-nm picosecond-domain laser has recently been utilized for the treatment of atrophic acne scars and showed promising results. However, data on the safety and efficacy of this procedure in dark-skinned patients are limited. This prospective, self-controlled study was conducted to objectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 1064-nm picosecond laser coupled with a microlens array (MLA) for the treatment of atrophic acne scars on Asian skin.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-six subjects of Fitzpatrick skin types (FSTs) III and IV with atrophic acne scars were enrolled. All subjects were treated with a 1064-nm picosecond laser (spot size of 8 mm, fluence of 1.0 J/cm² , a repetition rate of 10 Hz) in combination with the MLA handpiece for an average of three passes, for 6 monthly sessions. Objective (measurement of scar volume using three-dimensional (3D) photography and skin roughness analysis using ultraviolet A-light video camera) and subjective (clinical evaluation by two blinded dermatologists) assessments were obtained at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the final treatment.

RESULTS

Statistically significant reduction of the scar volume from baseline at 1, 3, and 6 months after the final treatment were observed by 3D photography and ultraviolet A-light video camera. At the 6-month follow-up, 50% (13 of 26) of the subjects were rated as having at least 50% improvement of the scars. The rate of improvement significantly increased from the 1-month follow-up to the 6-month follow-up (P = 0.013). Similarly, at the 6-month follow-up, the scar volume (P = 0.024) and skin roughness (P = 0.001) also significantly improved, in comparison with the baseline. Mild postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) was observed to develop in approximately 18% of all the treatment sessions. All cases of PIH were temporary and resolved within 4 weeks on average.

CONCLUSIONS

The 1064-nm picosecond laser with MLA is a safe therapeutic alternative for the treatment of atrophic acne scars in dark-skinned individuals. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

A Prospective, Split-Face, Randomized Study Comparing a 755-nm Picosecond Laser With and Without Diffractive Lens Array in the Treatment of Melasma in Asians

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Treatment of melasma with lasers remains a challenge due to its limited clinical efficacy in addition to high rates of recurrence and side effects. Recently, picosecond lasers have shown favorable results in treatment of benign pigmented lesions. To compare the efficacy and safety of using a 755-nm picosecond laser for the treatment of melasma in a split-face manner, having one side treated with a fractionated beam (diffractive lens array [DLA] coupling) and with a full-beam (flat optics) on the other side.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen subjects presenting with mixed-type melasma were enrolled. Each patient was randomly treated with a 755-nm picosecond laser coupled with DLA on one side of the face and without DLA (flat optics) on the other side. The laser was delivered through an 8-mm spot size with an average fluence of 0.4 J/cm² at 2.5 Hz for a total of two passes without pulse overlapping. All subjects received five monthly treatments. Subjective (clinical evaluation) and objective (color readings) assessments on the degree of pigment clearance and adverse effects were obtained at 1-, 3-, and 6-month after the final treatment.

RESULTS

At 6 months after the last treatment, physician-rating scores were 1.50 ± 0.76 and 1.50 ± 0.65 of the DLA and flat-optics sides, respectively. Pigment clearance significantly improved from 1 to 6 months after the treatment on each side (P = 0.019 on DLA and P = 0.023 on flat-optics sides). No statistically significant differences in physician-rating scores between the two treatment techniques were observed at all follow-up visits. Objective assessments of melasma clearance corresponded to the clinical evaluation. However, the full-beam (flat optics) provided lower incidence of pos-tinflammatory hyperpigmentation than the fractioned one.

CONCLUSIONS

A 755-nm picosecond laser is safe and effective for the treatment of melasma in dark-skinned individuals. The use of DLA does not provide additional benefit over the flat optics in clearing pigmentation. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Comparison of a 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet picosecond laser using a diffractive optical element vs. a nonablative 1550-nm erbium-glass laser for the treatment of facial acne scarring in Asian patients: a 17-week prospective, randomized, split-face, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Novel picosecond lasers using a diffractive optical element (P-DOE) have been available for skin resurfacing with distinct mechanisms. However, there are limited data directly comparing P-DOE and conventional fractional lasers for the treatment of atrophic acne scarring.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to compare the efficacy and safety of a 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet P-DOE and a non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) in the treatment of acne scarring.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, split-face, controlled trial was performed. One randomly assigned half-side of each patient's face (n = 25) was treated with four consecutive sessions of P-DOE at 3-week intervals and the other side with NAFL, with subsequent follow-up for 8 weeks after the final sessions. The efficacy and safety of the two lasers were determined by the Echelle d'Evaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d'acné (Scale of Clinical Evaluation of Acne Scars; ECCA) grading scale, Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score and patients' reports at the final visit. Histologic analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

The P-DOE-treated side achieved a significantly better improvement in acne appearance (ECCA per cent reduction: 55% vs. 42%) with less severe pain (4.3 vs. 5.6) (P < 0.05). The IGA score and subjective satisfaction were consistent with ECCA score results. Occurrences of treatment-related side-effects were also lower in the group treated with P-DOE (P < 0.05). Histologic analysis revealed elongation and increased density of neocollagen fibres, elastic fibres and mucin throughout the dermis from both sides.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with NAFL, P-DOE afforded better clinical outcomes and fewer side-effects in the treatment of acne scarring in Asian patients.

A Systematic Review of Picosecond Laser in Dermatology: Evidence and Recommendations

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The use of picosecond laser in dermatology was originally focused on optimizing the removal of unwanted tattoos. Subsequent advances in this technology have broadened its clinical indications to include treatment of benign pigmented lesions, photodamage, melasma, and scar revision. In this systematic review, evidence-based recommendations are developed for the use of picosecond laser in dermatology.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search of the English language literature was performed up to and including November 2019. Relevant citations were individually evaluated, synthesized, and categorized based on the Level of Evidence. With the addition of the authors' combined clinical experience, clinical recommendations were developed.

RESULTS

After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 77 unique studies were evaluated. Treatment of benign pigmented lesions was associated with level I-IV evidence; rejuvenation was associated with level II evidence; melasma was associated with level II evidence; scar revision was associated with level II-III evidence; tattoo removal was associated with level I evidence.

CONCLUSION

Picosecond laser is a safe and effective treatment modality for an increasing range of dermatologic indications. Further development of this technology is warranted. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Retrospective photographic review of nontattoo indications treated by picosecond laser

BACKGROUND

Picosecond (PS) lasers were approved by the US FDA in 2012 after being shown to remove tattoos with more success and fewer treatments compared with traditional methods. PS lasers were shown to be versatile, indicated for the treatment of lentigines, café-au-lait macules (CALMs), and acne scars and skin rejuvenation.

OBJECTIVE

We report our experience treating our patients for different indications using a PS laser.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart and photographic review of all patients seen between 2016 and 2018 that were treated in our centers with a PS laser for nontattoo indications. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using side-by-side comparisons of the clinical photographs by two blinded, independent physicians using a visual analog scale consisting of six levels of treatment response.

RESULTS

A total of 233 patients were studied. Most sought treatment for solar lentigo (27%) and skin rejuvenation (14%). Epidermal nevi exhibited the greatest improvement with treatment, while acne scarring demonstrated the least. Only 24% of patients experienced noteworthy, transient adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Picosecond lasers were efficacious and safe for a variety of indications. They were effective in treating epidermal nevi and pigmented lesions, such as Lentigines and CALMs.

A Prospective Study of Fractionated Dual-Wavelength Picosecond Laser in Treating Acne Scar

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The picosecond (PICO) laser has been a new and promising device. But, so far, there have not been many prospective studies investigating the efficacy in acne scar treatment. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the dual-wavelength picosecond laser in the treatment of acne scar.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 20 patients with skin type III-IV were enrolled in this study. Eighteen patients completed the study. All patients completed six treatment sessions within a 1-month interval. All patients were treated using both 532 and 1,064 nm fractionated dual-wavelength picosecond handpieces. In evaluation, Goodman and Baron's quantitative global acne scarring grading system (GSS) was scored by two physicians. Patients also judged the results themselves by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and pain score.

RESULTS

The average baseline score of GSS quantity and quality were 15.22 and 3.00, respectively. The final scores were 10.61 and 2.33. The average baseline of patient VAS score was 4.28. The final score was 2.00. All scores achieved statistical significance (P < 0.05). No serious long-term side effects were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Acne scar treatment with the fractionated dual-wavelength picosecond laser has shown both efficacy and safety in this study. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of a Picosecond Alexandrite Laser With DLA for Acne Scars in Chinese Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Recently, picosecond laser treatment has been used as an effective treatment for acne scars. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a picosecond alexandrite laser with a diffractive lens array in the treatment of acne scars in Chinese patients.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with facial acne scars were treated with a picosecond alexandrite laser in three sessions at 4- to 6-week intervals and followed up for 2 months. Primary outcomes were measured by physicians' blinded evaluation of the acne scar using the ECCA (échelle d'éva physicians'luation clinique des cicatrices d'acné) grading scale. The secondary outcomes included the investigator global assessment (IGA) on the improvement of post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), patients' assessment of improvement on a 4-point scale and of satisfaction on a 5-point scale. Pain scores and adverse effects were also evaluated.

RESULT

Twenty patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV were enrolled in the study and completed all treatment and follow-up visits. The mean ECCA scores fell from 197.75 ± 35.26 to 142.00 ± 35.92 (a 28% improvement), and the change was significant (P = 0.000). The mean IGA score of PIE improvement was 3.03 ± 0.75 (0 = no improvement and 4 = 76-100% improvement). On the basis of the patients' self-assessment, the average improvement scores were 2.30 ± 0.98 (0 indicating 0-25% improvement and 3 indicating >75% improvement). In total, 50% and 30% of the patients were "satisfied" and "very satisfied," respectively, with the treatment. The mean pain score was 3.20 ± 0.50 (0 = no pain, 10 = maximum pain) with topical anesthesia. The adverse effects included transient and mild erythema, edema, and scabbing.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with a picosecond alexandrite laser with a diffractive lens array is effective and safe for acne scars in Chinese patients. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Treatment of Acne Scars, a 30-Year Journey

Over the past 30 years, the treatment of acne scars has undergone changes that have been significantly influenced by the concurrent development of new devices. The advent of fractional resurfacing lasers was a watershed moment for acne scarring therapy. The author recounts a career history of considerations of acne scarring treatments as well as the literature supporting the experiences causing changes in practice. Fractional ablative and nonablative lasers, sublative radiofrequency, picosecond lasers, microneedling with and without radiofrequency and fillers are the bulk of the treatments covered, along with a discussion of combination therapy. A practical algorithm for acne scarring for selection of treatment modalities is presented.