Study of 1550-nm Erbium glass laser fractional non-ablative treatment of photoaging: Comparative clinical effects, histopathology, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry

Use of a fractional 1570-nm diode laser scanner for non-ablative face and neck rejuvenation

BACKGROUND

The use of non-ablative fractionated lasers for skin rejuvenation has been proven to be effective in improving skin texture, and has become popular due to minimal wounding, significantly shorter recovery times and decreased adverse effects.

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively analyze improvement in skin texture in healthy women aged over 18 years with Fitzpatrick skin types II-IV.

METHODS

Participants received three facial and/or neck treatments with the 1570-nm fractional scanning diode laser at 1-month intervals. Three months after the last treatment session two blinded evaluators assessed skin improvement using before and after photos. Pain and patient satisfaction were recorded.

RESULTS

Sixteen women with a mean age of 45.4 ± 4.1 years (range 35-50 years) and skin type II-IV were included in the analysis. All 16 participants received facial treatments and seven (43.8%) also received neck treatments. Three months follow-up evaluation showed that the majority of participants had a visible change in the treated areas. Mean pain score was low and decreased with each treatment session.

CONCLUSION

Skin treatment using fractional scanning 1570-nm diode laser improves skin laxity in women with skin types II-IV. Larger studies are warranted to further clarify the efficacy and safety of this modality.

The Effects In Vitro of Photobiomodulation Over Fibroblasts and Extracellular Matrix

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production of human fibroblasts (FN1) cultured in 2D. Background: Patients with healing difficulties suffer injuries that take time to recover. In addition, aging can be seen in our faces daily when we look in the mirror; in both situations, collagen production is reduced. Fibroblasts act in the beginning and at the end of the inflammation phase, signaling to immune agents, and platelets, and producing collagen, coordinating repair. PBM increases cell viability, proliferation, and mRNA production. Methods: Human fibroblasts were irradiated three times after cell seed (after 24, 48, and 72 h) using a gallium-aluminum arsenideGaAlAs low-level laser (LLL). Cell viability, proliferative response, synthesis of collagen types I and III, and soluble collagen production were analyzed. The statistical significance of differences between groups was determined using unpaired one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) p < 0.05. Results: PBM increased significantly the number of fibroblasts, and the production of collagen types I (Col I) and III (Col III), after three sessions of LLL with 2.5 J per session, every 24 h, for 3 consecutive days; total energy delivered after 72 h is 7.5 J. Conclusions: This energy density of LLL increases fibroblast proliferation and collagen production in vitro without side effects.

A cosmetic treatment based on the secretion of Cryptomphalus aspersa 40% improves the clinical results after the use of nonablative fractional laser in skin aging

Introduction

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the application of a cosmetic treatment based on the secretion of Cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA) enhances the clinical results, tolerance, and skin regeneration after nonablative laser treatment in patients with moderate photoaging.

Methods

Randomized, double‐blind, split‐face trial in 20 patients with moderate aging. Two sessions with fractional nonablative laser were performed, and the cosmetic treatments (SCA 40% on one hemiface and vehicle on the other) were applied immediately after laser session and daily during the study (28 days). Tewameter, Cutometer, Visioscan, VisioFace, photography, dermoscopy, and clinical evaluation were assessed. Side effects were also evaluated.

Results

A significant decrease in the density of microcolumns (25%, 71%, 32%, and 61% less density, respectively, at T3 P = 0.008, T7 P = 0.002, T22 P < 0.001, and T24 P < 0.001) was observed on the side treated with SCA compared to the vehicle‐treated side. Cutaneous elasticity, area of wrinkles, and hydration on the SCA‐treated side also showed a significant improvement compared to the vehicle‐treated side. Both the researcher and patients observed a significant improvement on the side treated with SCA compared to the vehicle‐treated side. Significantly fewer side effects (erythema, burning, and dryness) were also detected.

Conclusion

A cosmetic product with SCA 40% applied immediately after laser and for a period thereafter enhances and accelerates repair of damage produced by the laser and significantly reduces related adverse effects. In addition, SCA treatment could improve clinical results. In conclusion, we suggest that SCA enhances the effectiveness of laser in the treatment of cutaneous aging.