Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser on periorbital wrinkles in Asian patients: randomized split face study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE This study evaluated clinical usefulness of long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser (LPNY) for periorbital wrinkles in Asian patients. METHODS Twenty seven Korean patients were treated with several passes of LPNY (5 mm spot size, fluence: 54.7-61.8 J/cm(2), pulse duration: 56.5 microseconds). Three treatment sessions were conducted every 2 weeks on the half side of face that was randomly assigned. Outcome assessments included photography, global evaluation by two blinded independent dermatologists (using Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Classification System), and objective measurements of skin elasticity. Adverse events were documented. Patients reported their degree of satisfaction on a 6-point {0-5) visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS All patients showed modest improvement. The mean wrinkle score on the treated side decreased by 34.9% (p < 0.05), while it did not change significantly on the control site. Skin elasticity (R2) increased significantly on the treated site. The average VAS score was 2.85 at 2 months but it dropped down to 1.05 at 6 months follow-up. No adverse effects were noted except 2 weeks lasting erythema in one patient. CONCLUSION LPNY may be considered as a safe treatment option for periorbital wrinkles in Asian patients. However, three treatment sessions are not enough for maintaining optimal clinical outcome.