Evaluating facial pores and skin texture after low-energy nonablative fractional 1440-nm laser treatments

Background: The fractionated nonablative 1440-nm laser creates microscopic thermal wounds within the epidermis and the dermis and is used clinically to improve tone, texture, and color of skin.

Objective: We sought to investigate the use of this device to treat facial pores and to improve skin texture.

Methods: Twenty patients received 6 treatments at the highest tolerable energy level performed 2 weeks apart. Photographic assessments using the VISIA-CR (Canfield Scientific Inc, Fairfield, NJ) imaging system were performed. The pore score was calculated, which is the percentage of the skin surface that has detected pores. Subjective measurements (0-4 scale) were recorded by both the subject and investigator regarding pore appearance, skin texture, and overall skin appearance. Treatment discomfort was scored by patients (1-10 scale).

Results: After 6 treatments there was a significant reduction in pore score (P < .002). Total average pore score at baseline was 2.059 ± 0.8 and 2 weeks after the final treatment it was 1.700 ± 0.8, resulting in a 17% average reduction in pore score. Study investigators reported average scores being 1.95 ± 0.3 for improved pore appearance and 2.75 ± 0.2 for improved overall appearance (0-4 scale). Subjects noted average scores of 1.9 ± 0.5 for improvement of the appearance of pores and 2.85 ± 0.4 for improvement of overall appearance (0-4 scale). The average discomfort score during treatments was reported to be 4.6 ± 0.1 (1-10 scale). There were no serious adverse effects or long-term side effects.

Limitations: Small sample size and limited follow-up are study limitations.

Conclusions: A series of treatments with the nonablative low-energy fractional 1440-nm laser appears to be safe and effective for reducing detectable pores and improving overall skin appearance.