Fractional, Nonablative Q-switched 1,064-nm Neodymium YAG Laser to Rejuvenate Photoaged Skin: A Pilot Case Series

November 2012 | Volume 11 | Issue 11 | Original Article | 1300 | Copyright © November 2012


Abstract
Background: Scientific research in the field of energy-based and light-based procedures made it possible to develop a very new and innovative generation of lasers that combine the benefit of a nonablative and a fractional laser device, promising skin rejuvenation without harming the epidermis. With this pilot case series, we performed one of the first systematic reports evaluating efficacy and safety of the fractional, nonablative Q-switched 1,064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser device in the treatment of rhytides of the face, neck, and chest.
Methods: Seven healthy female subjects (mean ±standard deviation age, 53.8 ± 10.0 years) with visible signs of facial and neck skin aging were treated with fractional, nonablative Q-switched 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser device (Pixel QS Nd:YAG; Alma Lasers Ltd, Caesarea, Israel). Treated areas were the face, including the periorbital and perioral regions (particularly the upper lip), neck, and chest. Treatments consisted of 3 sessions at 2- to 4-week intervals. Follow-up was performed monthly following the final treatment. The Alexiades-Armenakas Comprehensive Grading Scale of Skin Aging was employed to assess efficacy. Pain ratings were recorded by 10-point visual assessment scoring.
Results: Employing the validated, quantitative grading scale for rhytides of the face and neck, a 0.29 grade improvement, or 11.3% improvement, over baseline grade was observed in the 7-subject cohort that completed follow-up following a mean of approximately 2 treatments at approximately 1-month follow-up. No pain and rapidly resolving minimal erythema were noted in all subjects during treatment.
Conclusion: The results of this pilot case series suggest that the treatment with the fractional, nonablative Q-switched 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser device significantly improves superficial rhytides. With its outstanding safety, it seems to be particularly suitable for the treatment of sensitive areas, such as the periorbital region, lips, neck, and chest. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is a facile, safe, and fast treatment for aesthetic skin rejuvenation.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(11):1300-1304.

INTRODUCTION

Age-dependent modification is at the forefront of dermatological research and cosmetic science.1,2 Besides topical active ingredients and minimally invasive treatments, eg, botulinum toxin or hyaluronic acid, laser devices have expanded into numerous applications to treat a wide array of skin conditions.2-4 Lasers direct a high-energy beam of a single wavelength of coherent light into specific tissues, varying in strength and the type of tissue they target.5,6 Corresponding to its chronological development, two main laser classifications have been established in the past regarding the degree of ablation and recovery.7 Ablative laser systems, eg, CO2 and erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) lasers, were among the first resurfacing devices that were proven successful. 5,6 Although highly effective for rejuvenating photoaged skin, the demand for less ablative treatments became evident because of the high risk of unwanted side effects, eg, scarring, infections, edema, or prolonged erythema, combined with a long recovery period and painful treatment sessions.4 Based on the concept of selective photothermolysis, presented by Anderson and Parrish in the early 1980s, a second, less invasive treatment modality was developed, promising good results while preserving the epidermis.6,8 This nonablative technique was based on the principle of absorption of light and the different chromophores in the skin, such as water, melanin, or hemoglobin, resulting in selected damage limited to the target.4,6,8
In 2004, fractional photothermolysis was introduced which treats only a fraction of the skin, unlike conventional ablative and nonablative lasers.9 The prototype fractional, nonablative device, a fractional 1,550-nm Er:YAG laser resulted in a combination of epidermal coagulation for a resurfacing effect and dermal denaturation for deeper remodeling repopulated by fibroblast activity of neocollagenesis.4,5 A new generation of fractional lasers followed, featuring high-power and fractionated beams for nonablative skin remodeling and rejuvenation.10 Since microscopic columns of thermally denatured epidermis and dermis are created and intervening zones of normal skin facilitate wound rapid healing, fractional, nonablative treatments have been associated with some perioperative discomfort and a 2- to 3-day recovery period with erythema and mild edema.
A novel fractional, nonablative Q-switched neodymium-doped YAG (Nd:YAG) 1,064-nm laser technology is presented here, which combines the benefit of a nonablative and a fractional laser de-