Novel use of erbium:YAG (2,940-nm) laser for fractional ablative photothermolysis in the treatment of photodamaged facial skin: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND The use of CO2 or conventional erbium laser ablation or more recent nonablative laser photothermolysis for skin rejuvenation is associated with significant disadvantages. OBJECTIVE The objective was to assess the efficacy of the erbium:YAG laser (2,940 nm) using the "ablative" fractional resurfacing mode to improve photodamaged skin. METHODS A total of 28 patients, 27 women and 1 man, aged 28 to 72 years (mean age, 54.2 years), with Fitzpatrick Skin Types II to IV, were treated for mild to moderate actinic damage using fractional erbium:YAG laser (2,940 nm) combined with Pixel technology. Sessions were scheduled at 4-week intervals. Response to treatment was evaluated by two physicians on a five-tiered scale. RESULTS Patients underwent one to four treatment sessions (mean, 3.2). The initial reaction consisted of erythema and minimal swelling. On clinical assessment 2 months after the final treatment, the results were rated excellent by 21 patients (75%) and good by 7 (25%). Nineteen of the 21 were also evaluated 6 to 9 months after final treatment without any significant change in the results. CONCLUSIONS Fractional ablative photothermolysis using erbium:YAG laser (2,940 nm) is a promising option for skin resurfacing with reduced risk and downtime compared to existing laser methods.