TREATMENT OF UPPER RHYTIDES WITH A 1320 ND: YAG NON-ABLATIVE LASER

A.    Purpose or rationale for presenting at this meeting:
Improvement of photodamage and rhytides with non-ablative lasers is an emerging new technology. Several studies have documented improvement in rhytides utilizing a 1320nm wavelength neodynium:YAG laser with cryogen cooling; however, number of treatments required and time interval between treatments has not been dearly defined. This study evaluates the efficacy of a 1320nm wavelength neodynium:YAG laser with cryogen cooling and the effect of treatment interval and number of treatments. Objective measurements of skin texture improvement are performed utilizing optical profilometry.

B.    (If a study) Statement of research design or methodology:
Methods: 30 patients were treated on their upper lip with a 1320nm Nd: YAG laser with cryogen cooling device (CoolTouch Corp., Roseville, CA). Patients were divided into one of 3 treatment groups: Group 1 received 4 treatments spaced every 4 weeks, Group 2 received 6 treatments spaced every 4 weeks, and Group 3 received 4 treatments spaced every 6 weeks. Two passes with the laser was performed at each treatment session to the entire cutaneous upper lip and nasolabial folds. Laser settings were as follows: 28-36 J/cm2, cryogen cooling duration of 20-30ms with a laser delay of 30-40ms. Fluence was set so that epidermal temperatures (measured with an infrared thermometer in the laser head) reached 40-45°C.  Optical profilmetry measurements were made before and after all treatments were completed.

C.    Summary of results or findings:
Results: Clinically, an average of 25-30% was observed and was relatively constant between groups. Patients with mild to moderate rhytides had greater improvement than those with severe rhytides.  Overall, optical profilmetry scores in all groups decreased, demonstrating an improvement in skin texture from baseline.

D.    Statement of conclusions reached:
Treatment of upper lip with a 1320nm Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective method for improving skin texture and rhytides. The most improvement is seen in mild to moderate wrinkling with less improvement of severe or deep rhytides. An appropriate treatment number based on the Findings in this study is 2-4 treatments at an interval of every 4-6 weeks.