Effect of pulse width of a variable square pulse (VSP) erbium:YAG laser on the treatment outcome of periorbital wrinkles in Asians

Int J Dermatol. 2010 Feb;49(2):200-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2009.04292.x.

Abstract

Background: Uses of appropriate laser parameters are essential for an optimum outcome with minimal risks of complications.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of pulse width of a variable square pulse (VSP) Er:YAG laser on the treatment outcome.

Methods: Twenty-four Thais with periorbital wrinkles received two treatments with a low-fluence, VSP Er:YAG laser resurfacing 1 month apart. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups and treated with two different parameters including a pulse width of 0.3 ms (short pulse, SP) for one group and a pulse width of 250 ms (super-long pulse, SL) for the other group. Assessments were evaluated at baseline, 1-month and 3-month follow-up visits.

Results: After one treatment, 63.7% and 33.4% of the subjects in the SP and SL groups, respectively, were assessed to have obvious to marked improvement of their wrinkles. After two treatments, a higher percentage of the subjects were rated to have obvious to marked improvement including 91% and 66.7% in the SP and SL groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in therapeutic outcome between the SP and SL groups.

Conclusions: There was no significant difference in efficacy and side effects, between the SP and SL groups. However, a trend toward better response with the shorter pulse width was observed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Esthetics
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy / methods*
  • Lasers, Solid-State / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain, Postoperative / physiopathology
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Postoperative Care / methods
  • Rejuvenation
  • Risk Assessment
  • Skin Aging*
  • Thailand
  • Treatment Outcome