1,440-nm laser beneficial for photodamage in Asians

(HealthDay)—Four treatments with 1,440-nm fractional laser produce mild improvement in select signs of photodamage in an Asian population, according to a study published March 14 in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.

Shoshana Marmon, M.D., Ph.D., from Hong Kong Dermatology and Laser Centre, and colleagues evaluated the safety and efficacy of a low-energy, low-density 1,440-nm fractional laser for treatment of photoaging in 10 Chinese patients with visible signs of photodamage. Signs of photaging included dyspigmentation, wrinkling, tissue laxity, enlarged pores, and skin roughness. Four laser treatments were administered at two-week intervals. Photographs, taken at baseline, two weeks after each of the first three treatments, and four weeks after the final treatment, were assessed by two physicians.

The researchers found that there was mild improvement in skin texture, pigmentation, and wrinkling. Pore size and skin laxity changes did not reach statistical significance. Erythema and edema were immediate after-effects of the procedure, and left no permanent sequela. Despite use of a topical anesthetic, a significant proportion of the patients experienced some degree of discomfort during the procedure. A discrete, localized area of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation developed in one patient, but was completely resolved by the final follow-up visit.

"The low-energy, low-density nonablative 1,440-nm fractional laser produces a mild improvement in select signs of photodamage after four treatments without any long-term adverse effects," the authors write.

One author disclosed financial ties to the laser/medical device industry.