Effect of pulse width of a variable square pulse (VSP) erbium:YAG laser on the treatment outcome of periorbital wrinkles in Asians

Efficacy and Safety of Using Noninsulated Microneedle Radiofrequency Alone versus in Combination with Polynucleotides for Treatment of Periorbital Wrinkles

Introduction

A few studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of noninsulated radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) to treat periorbital wrinkles in Asian patients. Recently, wound healing accelerators, polynucleotides (PNs), have received attention in wound management. However, their efficacy and safety have not been fully elucidated following RFNM. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of noninsulated RFMN for periorbital wrinkles and the synergistic effect of PNs after RFMN.

Methods

Thirty subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types III to V and facial wrinkles (Fitzpatrick grades I and II) were enrolled. All volunteers were treated over the entire face with noninsulated RFMN for three sessions at 2-week intervals. The left and right sides of each patient’s face were randomly assigned to receive PNs (treatment group) or normal saline solution (control group). The indentation and maximum depth of wrinkles were objectively measured using Antera 3D. Subjective self-evaluations were obtained at baseline, 2 weeks after the third treatment, and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after the final treatment. In addition, pain scores, immediate reactions, and other adverse effects were evaluated.

Results

Twenty-nine subjects completed the treatment protocol. Most presented with grade II wrinkling (69%). At 2-month follow-up, Antera 3D image analysis revealed faster improvement for the treatment group. At 6-month follow-up, the majority of subjects reported an improvement of 25–75% in their periorbital wrinkles. The average pain score was 2.2 out of 10. No serious adverse events (infection, pigmentary alteration, persistent erythema, or scarring) were observed.

Conclusions

Noninsulated RFMN is safe and effective for treating periorbital wrinkles and can be used as a modality for transdermal drug delivery. Topical polynucleotides as an adjunctive treatment provide additional benefits for periorbital wrinkle treatment.

Trial Registration Number

TCTR20201105007.

Periocular rejuvenation using a unique non-ablative long-pulse 2940 nm Er:YAG laser

The periocular region is challenging for cosmetic laser surgeons. Surgery and laser resurfacing have traditionally been used to correct periorbital lines and wrinkles. Although effective, the associated downtime with these methods has made many people reluctant to decide for such treatments. More recently, the non-ablative long-pulse 2940 nm Er:YAG laser is being used to improve the structure and function and hence the appearance of skin in the periorbital region. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of long-pulse 2940 nm Er:YAG laser for non-ablative treatment of periorbital static wrinkles and skin laxity. This is a prospective analysis of 30 patients treated for periorbital rejuvenation using three sessions of non-ablative long-pulse Er:YAG laser over a 3-month period. All patients were assessed according to Fitzpatrick’s classification of periorbital wrinkles to class I, II, or III and were treated with 2940 nm Er:YAG laser using a fluence of 3.75 J/cm², a repetition rate of 1.7–2 Hz, and with the SMOOTH™ pulse mode (250 ms). The treatment sessions were performed on each patient, 4 weeks apart. Patient improvement was assessed before each laser session as well as at 12 months after the final treatment. Blind photographic evaluations were performed by three independent physicians using unlabeled before and after photos arranged in non-chronological order. Reviewers were asked to determine the before and after photos. Patients were asked to answer a questionnaire measuring satisfaction 4 weeks after each session, and to report any adverse reactions. There was statistically and clinically significant improvement in the Fitzpatrick classification of the periorbital wrinkles. Blinded evaluators correctly identified the before and after photos in all cases. All patients reported mild edema and erythema, which persisted for 1 to 2 days, and superficial peeling of the skin for 4 to 6 days after each laser treatment. No long-term adverse effects were reported. The non-ablative long-pulse 2940 nm Er:YAG laser seems to be a safe and effective treatment for periocular rejuvenation with minimal and tolerable adverse reaction. The improvement attained from the laser sessions was persisting after 1 year denoting the long-term efficacy of the procedure.

Efficacy, safety, and guidelines of application of the fractional ablative laser erbium YAG 2940 nm and non-ablative laser erbium glass in rejuvenation, skin spots, and acne in different skin phototypes: a systematic review

Non-ablative and ablative fractional erbium lasers are among the most frequently used resources in dermatology for facial rejuvenation and for treating dermatological disorders. This type of erbium laser can be found at wavelengths of 1540 or 1550 nm, which are classified as non-ablative erbium glass, and at 2940 nm, classified as ablative erbium YAG. Despite the reports of their clinical benefits, few scientific studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of these lasers in the short or long term. In order to substantiate the effects, benefits, and safety of applying the erbium glass and erbium YAG lasers, a systematic review was carried out from August to December 2019 about studies published in the last 20 years. Randomized clinical trials in humans were considered that evaluated the efficacy, safety, and benefits of applying the fractional lasers erbium glass and erbium YAG to facial rejuvenation, skin spots, and atrophic acne scars. A total of 338 articles were identified; 76 articles remained after their titles and abstracts were read, and 42 articles were selected after removing the duplicates. After the articles were read in full, 17 of these articles were included in the systematic review (453 patients). The erbium glass and erbium YAG lasers seem promising in the short term, with minimal adverse effects; however, the long-term efficacy and safety still present limitations. Consequently, future research is needed, with better methodological standardization and a follow-up with a longer evaluation period for possible permanent adverse effects to determine the standardization and safety of therapy with erbium glass and erbium YAG lasers.