Neocollagenesis in Deep and Superficial Dermis by Combining Fractionated Q-Switched ND:YAG 1,064-nm With Topical Plant Stem Cell Extract and N-Acetyl Glucosamine: Open Case Series

November 2015 | Volume 14 | Issue 11 | Original Article | 1342 | Copyright © November 2015


Kavita Beri MDa and Sandy S. Milgraum MDb

aBeri Esthetique Skin & Laser Med Spa and Jersey Shore University Medical, Neptune, NJ
bRutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: As we enter a new age of increasing demand in novel cosmetic therapies, we are challenged to provide excellent results with minimal downtime and safety in all skin types. In this open case series we are studying the improvement in rhytides by combining a novel, FDA-approved, non-ablative fractionated Q-switched ND: YAG 1,064-nm laser that acts in the deep dermis, with a topical containing plant stem cell extract and N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) that acts in the superficial dermis.
METHOD: Six healthy females (Skin types III - V) were selected for the study with mean average age of 56 years +/- 11 years. The rhytides on the face and neck were assessed using a comprehensive grading scale. Patients were then divided into two groups, one received only laser treatment with the fractionated QSW 1,064 nm laser and the other group received combined treatment with the laser and topical. Patients were assessed again at 4 and 8 weeks.
RESULTS: We observed an enhanced anti-aging effect of the laser in the patients with combined treatment.
DISCUSSION: Understanding the effect of this novel laser therapy on human stem cells and investigating the basis of its synergistic effect with plant stem cell extract and NAG will lead us to better understand stem cell activity. Non-ablative tissue regeneration is the next step in providing optimal anti-aging treatments.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(11):1342-1346.

INTRODUCTION

The demand for noninvasive skin rejuvenation is at the forefront of cosmetic medicine. As we strive to provide optimal Anti-Aging results with new medical procedure treatments, safety, pain, and downtime are important factors to consider. Photothermolysis with Fractionated laser devices has proven to provide neocollagenesis. These new age devices provide us with the benefits of no downtime and no pain.1, 2 The fractionated Q-switched ND: YAG 1,064-nm by Harmony XL, Alma Lasers Ltd. is the latest of these devices that provide us with the combination of safety, no pain, and no downtime. By keeping the skin intact, we avoid unnecessary delay in wound healing and risk of scarring but still have the dermal effects of collagen remodeling. Stem cell research is one of the most exciting topics in modern day biomedical investigation and stands vanguard of a new field called regenerative medicine. The enthusiasm about stem cell research derives from new insight into their behavior and location in the human body and from data that support the hope that stem cells may one day be used to repair injury in human tissues.19 The concept of scarless wound healing3 and the role of stem cells in collagen regeneration open the door to exciting possibilities in skin rejuvenation.
In this study we present an open series to compare the treatment of aging skin using fractionated Q-switched 1,064 with and without topical cream formulation containing plant stem extract having epigenetic properties to human stem cells and N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) with a pro-collagen effect.

METHOD

Six women in the age group of 45-72 were selected in this study, with Fitzpatrick skin types III-V. They had visible signs of facial and neck skin aging. Verbal and written consents for treatment and photographs were obtained. The subjects were in good health with no preexisting skin conditions and were not on oral medications that could affect the laser treatment to the skin. Females that had prior use of fillers/botulinum injections or prior laser skin resurfacing procedures were excluded.
Scoring was based on rhytides, laxity, elastosis, dyschromia, erythema-telangiectasia, keratosis, and texture. The Quantitative Comprehensive Grading Scale of Rhytides Laxity and Photoagingâ„¢ was used to grade each subject.4 Pretreatment photographs were taken at baseline.