Background and objective: Q-Switched Nd:YAG lasers produce photoacoustic effects in addition to photothermal effects which may allow for greater tissue collagen production. The objective of the study is to determine the effectiveness and tolerability of an Electro-Optic (EO) Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with Single Pulse and novel Double Pulse (DP) options in the treatment of photodamaged skin.
Materials and methods: Sixteen subjects with photoaging were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, split-faced study. Subjects received 6 bi-weekly laser treatments. One half of the face was treated with a Single Pulse while the other half was treated with energies divided into a DP. Blinded investigators and subjects assessed improvement after the sixth treatment for wrinkles, coarseness, pigmentation, redness, laxity, comedones, pore size, and overall skin condition. Subjects also rated the tolerability of the treatments.
Results: For the Single Pulse side of the face, the investigators rated 33% of the patients as having a good to excellent (51% or greater) improvement in the overall condition of the skin while 47% of the subjects reported these levels. On the DP side, the overall improvement was good to excellent at a 27% rate by the investigators and 54% by the subjects. Distributions of improved ratings among investigators and subjects were similar for both sides of the treatment area. The majority of stinging/burning sensations during treatment were reported as mild on the DP side (62.8%) and moderate (63.8%) on the Single Pulse side. The chance of reporting none or only mild stinging/burning sensation during treatment was four times greater on the side of the face treated with the DP (P < 0.0001).
Conclusions: Results have shown that treatment with the EO QS Nd:YAG laser provides a safe and effective method of skin rejuvenation with the additional benefit of significantly lower patient discomfort during use of the DP mode.
© 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.