Combined treatment for facial rejuvenation using an optimized pulsed light source followed by a fractional non-ablative laser.

BACKGROUND Combination laser treatments can potentially increase the effectiveness of treatment without the additional downtime associated with another procedure. OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness and safety of combining non-ablative fractional treatments with optimized intense pulsed light. METHODS AND MATERIALS Ten subjects (Group A) received full face treatments with a non-ablative fractional either followed or preceded by an optimized intense pulsed light source. Twenty-six subjects (Group B) received only full face treatments with the same non-ablative, fractional laser device. RESULTS For Group A, the overall average Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale for all patients improved from 6.3 ± 1.1 at baseline to 5.9 ± 0.8 one month following one treatment for an average improvement of 0.4 ± 0.6 (P < 0.10 paired t-test n = 9). The average pigment improvement score was 1.8 ± 0.9 on a 4-point scale. In Group B, the average Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale improved from 6.0 ± 1.6 at baseline to 5.2 ± 1.4 at 3 months for an average improvement of 0.8 ± 0.7 (P < 0.001, n = 26 paired t-test). The average pigment improvement score was 1.4 ± 1.0 (P < 0.001, t-test, n = 26). Adverse events were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION The combination of an optimized intense pulsed light source with a non-ablative fractional laser during the same treatment session is safe and effective.