Leonard J. Bernstein

The Short‐ and Long‐Term Side Effects of Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing

background Carton dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing has become a very popular method of rhytide and scar removal in the recent past. Preliminary studies have been published describing the method, histology, and clinical results of CO2 laser resurfacing. However, none of these studies has dealt with long‐term follow‐up results. objective To review all side effects resulting from CO2 laser resurfacing with regard to both short‐ and long‐term effects. method Retrospective analysis of 104 patients who have undergone CO2 laser resurfacing for either facial rhytides and/or scarring with follow‐up periods of 4‐23 months (average, 8.2 months). results The incidence of side effects are generally very low for CO2 laser resurfacing, including scarring, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and infection. However, there is a significant and previously unreported risk of hypopigmentation in an area of the population who often seek improvement in the appearance. conclusions CO2 laser resurfacing of facial rhytides and acne scars can be a very safe procedure by an experienced laser operator. However, careful patient selection, thorough patient instruction, and proper aesthetic analysis of treatment sites must be followed to insure the most favorable outcomes with CO2 laser resurfacing.

Successful treatment of acneiform scarring with CO2 ablative fractional resurfacing

Acneiform scarring after severe episodes of acne is a common cosmetic concern, treatable by a variety of modalities with varying degrees of success. Ablative CO2 laser resurfacing, while effective, is associated with an undesirable side effects profile, lengthy recovery period, and risk of infection as well as potential pigmentary alterations. Newer modalities using the principles of fractional photothermolysis (FP) create patterns of tiny microscopic wounds surrounded by undamaged tissue beneath the skin with an erbium‐doped 1,550 nm laser. These devices produce more modest results in many cases than traditional carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers but with fewer side effects and shorter recovery periods. A novel ablative 30 W CO2 laser device uses a technique called ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR), combines CO2 ablation with a FP system.

Scar resurfacing with high-energy, short-pulsed and flashscanning carbon dioxide lasers.

background. Scars have a significant effect on a persons physical and social being. Many treatment modalities for scar improvement such as surgical scar revision, electrosurgical planing, chemical peeling, filler substance implantation, and dermabrasion have been developed. Recently, the resurfacing carbon dioxide (CO2) laser systems have proven to be a useful and safe treatment in the treatment of facial rhytides and acne scarring. objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the resurfacing CO2 lasers in the treatment of various surgical, traumatic, acne, and varicella scars. methods. Thirty subjects, aging between 14 and 84 years, with surgical, traumatic, acne, or varicella scars were evaluated. Two types of resurfacing laser systems were utilized in this study, a high‐energy, short‐pulsed CO2 laser and a continuous wave CO2 laser with an optico‐mechanical computer flash‐scanner. Postsurgical scars were treated with laser resurfacing between 4 and 6 weeks after scar formation. Traumatic, acne, and varicella scars were treated after scar maturation (range, 1–10 years). Scar improvement was evaluated by photographic analysis of before and after images by four independent health care workers using a quartile scale of improvement (<25%, 25–49%, 50–74%, >75%) as well as optical profilometry using silicone surface impressions in 12 scars. results. Twenty of 24 surgical scars had greater than 75% improvement, and 24 of 24 had greater than 50% improvement by photographic analysis. All six traumatic, acne and varicella scars had greater than 50% improvement. Optical profilometry and surface topography maps reveal a significant flattening of related and depressed scars. conclusion. The high‐energy, short‐pulsed CO2 laser and the continuous wave CO2 laser with flash‐scanning attachment are safe and effective as a treatment modality for scar revision. In general, elevated scars improve more dramatically than depressed scars.

Successful and Rapid Treatment of Blue and Green Tattoo Pigment With a Novel Picosecond Laser

BACKGROUND While the understanding and technology of laser tattoo removal has advanced much over the last 5 decades, treatments and results remain far from perfect. With currently available devices, treatment courses are often painful and prolonged with mixed results. We describe the successful and rapid treatment of 12 tattoos containing blue and/or green pigment with a novel, picosecond, 755-nm alexandrite laser. OBSERVATIONS All previously untreated multicolored tattoos as well as tattoos recalcitrant to treatment demonstrated at least 75% clearance of blue and green pigment after 1 or 2 treatments with a novel, picosecond, 755-nm alexandrite laser. More than two-thirds of these tattoos approached closer to 100% clearance. CONCLUSIONS While additional future studies are needed, we believe that this new technology is more effective in targeting blue and green pigment, resulting in expedited clearance with less collateral injury to surrounding tissue.

Outcomes of Childhood Hemangiomas Treated with the Pulsed-Dye Laser with Dynamic Cooling: A Retrospective Chart Analysis

BACKGROUND Laser treatment of childhood hemangiomas remains controversial. Previous studies have used outdated technology, resulting in a potential overrepresentation of adverse outcomes. OBJECTIVE To evaluate outcomes of hemangiomas treated with the most current laser technology. METHODS A retrospective chart analysis of 90 patients with a median age of 3.0 months and a total of 105 hemangiomas were enrolled over a 2.5‐year period. All were treated with the 595‐nm long‐pulse pulsed‐dye laser (LP‐PDL) with dynamic epidermal cooling at 2‐ to 8‐week intervals depending on the stage of growth. Exclusion criteria were previous laser, surgical, or corticosteroid treatment. Three reviewers assessed outcomes. RESULTS Near‐complete or complete clearance in color were achieved for 85 (81%) and in thickness for 67 (64%) hemangiomas. There was no scarring or atrophy. Ulceration occurred in one case and resolved during treatment. Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation occurred in 4% and 14% of hemangiomas, respectively. CONCLUSION Early treatment of childhood hemangiomas with the 595‐nm LP‐PDL with dynamic cooling may reduce the proliferative phase and result in excellent rates of clearing and few adverse events. Dr. Geronemus serves on the Advisory Board for Candela Corporation.

Successful Treatment of Atrophic Postoperative and Traumatic Scarring With Carbon Dioxide Ablative Fractional Resurfacing Quantitative Volumetric Scar Improvement

OBJECTIVE To assess the safety and efficacy of ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) for nonacne atrophic scarring. DESIGN In this before-and-after trial, each scar received 3 AFR treatments and 6 months of follow-up. SETTING Private academic practice. PATIENTS Fifteen women with Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV, aged 21 to 66 years, presented with 22 nonacne atrophic scars between June 1 and November 30, 2007. Three patients (3 scars) were excluded from the study after receiving 1 AFR treatment and not returning for follow-up visits. The remaining 12 patients (19 scars) completed all 3 treatments and 6 months of follow-up. INTERVENTIONS Each scar received 3 AFR treatments at 1- to 4-month intervals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Erythema, edema, petechiae, scarring, crusting, and dyschromia were graded after treatment and through 6 months of follow-up. Skin texture, pigmentation, atrophy, and overall appearance were evaluated after treatment and through 6 months of follow-up by the patient and a nonblinded investigator. A 3-dimensional optical profiling system generated high-resolution topographic representations of atrophic scars for objective measurement of changes in scar volume and depth. RESULTS Adverse effects of treatment were mild to moderate, and no scarring or delayed-onset hypopigmentation was observed. At the 6-month follow-up visit, patient and investigator scores demonstrated improvements in skin texture for all scars (patient range, 1-4 [mean, 2.79]; investigator range, 2-4 [mean, 2.95]), pigmentation for all scars (patient range, 1-4 [mean, 2.32]; investigator range, 1-4 [mean, 2.21]), atrophy for all scars (patient range, 1-4 [mean, 2.26]; investigator range, 2-4 [mean, 2.95]), and overall scar appearance for all scars (patient range, 2-4 [mean, 2.89]; investigator range, 2-4 [mean, 3.05]). Image analysis revealed a 38.0% mean reduction of volume and 35.6% mean reduction of maximum scar depth. CONCLUSION The AFR treatments represent a safe, effective treatment modality for improving atrophic scarring due to surgery or trauma.

Ablative and Fractional Ablative Lasers

The field of nonsurgical laser resurfacing for aesthetic enhancement continues to improve with new research and technological advances. Since its beginnings in the 1980s, the laser-resurfacing industry has produced a multitude of devices employing ablative, nonablative, and fractional ablative technologies. The three approaches largely differ in their method of thermal damage, weighing degrees of efficacy, downtime, and side effect profiles against each other. Nonablative technologies generate some interest, although only for those patient populations seeking mild improvements. Fractional technologies, however, have gained dramatic ground on fully ablative resurfacing. Fractional laser resurfacing, while exhibiting results that fall just short of the ideal outcomes of fully ablative treatments, is an increasingly attractive alternative because of its far more favorable side effect profile, reduced recovery time, and significant clinical outcome.

Improvement in Arm and Post-Partum Abdominal and Flank Subcutaneous Fat Deposits and Skin Laxity Using a Bipolar Radiofrequency, Infrared, Vacuum and Mechanical Massage Device

Skin laxity of the body is a growing cosmetic concern. Laxity can result from chronological or photoaging and changes in body dimensions during pregnancy or weight loss. The end result is loose, sagging skin, and localized fat deposits. Liposuction and abdominoplasty or brachioplasty are established approaches to these issues. Patient desire for alternatives to surgical correction has spawned the development of non‐invasive body contouring devices. The combination of infrared light (IR), bipolar radiofrequency (RF), vacuum and mechanical massage (Velashape, Syneron Medical Ltd, Israel) has demonstrated efficacy in improving skin appearance and circumference of the thighs [Goldberg et al., Derm Surg 2008; 34:204–209; Fisher et al., Derm Surg 2005; 31:1237–1241; Arnoczky and Aksan, J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2000; 8:305–313; Alster and Tanzi, J Cosmetic Laser Therapy 2005; 7:81–85; Wanitphakdeedecha and Manuskiatti, J Cosmet Dermatol 2006; 5:284–288; Nootheti et al., Lasers Surg Med 2006; 38: 908–912], but only anecdotal evidence has supported its use on other anatomic locations. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Velashape on additional body sites and more rigorously examine the technologys impact on upper arm as well as abdominal and flank circumference.

Use of a Picosecond Pulse Duration Laser With Specialized Optic for Treatment of Facial Acne Scarring

IMPORTANCE Fractional laser technology is routinely used in the treatment of acne scarring, with thermal injury resulting in collagen synthesis and remodeling. Use of a picosecond pulse duration with a diffractive lens array may be a new technologic advancement in the treatment of acne scarring. OBJECTIVE To investigate the safety and efficacy of a 755-nm alexandrite picosecond pulse duration laser with diffractive lens array for the treatment of facial acne scarring. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This single-center, prospective study performed in a private practice with a dedicated research department included patients with clinically diagnosed scarring secondary to inflammatory or cystic acne. INTERVENTIONS Patients received 6 treatments with a 755-nm picosecond laser with a spot size of 6 mm, fluence of 0.71 J/cm2, repetition rate of 5 Hz, and pulse width of 750 picoseconds in combination with a diffractive lens array, allowing for greater surface area and pattern density per pulse. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The pain and satisfaction scores for overall appearance and texture were recorded. Masked assessment of clinical photographs and analysis of 3-dimensional volumetric data were performed. Biopsy specimens were obtained for independent histologic evaluation by 2 investigators at baseline and at 3 months after last treatment. RESULTS Fifteen women and 5 men (mean age, 44 years; age range, 27-61 years) with Fitzpatrick skin types I through V and facial acne scarring were enrolled. The mean pain score was 2.83 of 10. Patients were satisfied to extremely satisfied with improvement in appearance and texture at their final treatment and follow-up visits. The masked assessment scores of 17 patients were 1.5 of 3 and 1.4 of 3 at 1 and 3 months, respectively (a score of 0 indicates 0%-25% improvement and a score of 3 indicates >75% improvement). A 3-dimensional analysis revealed a mean 24.3% improvement in scar volume, maintained at 1 (24.0%) and 3 (27.2%) months after treatment. Histologic analysis revealed elongation and increased density of elastic fibers, with an increase in dermal collagen and mucin. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Treatment of facial acne scars with a diffractive lens array and 755-nm picosecond laser produced improvement in appearance and texture at 3 months after the last treatment, with objective findings similar to those published for a series of fractional ablative laser treatments. Histologic findings suggest that improvement in scarring from this treatment goes beyond remodeling of collagen.

Eyelid Tightening and Improved Eyelid Aperture through Nonablative Fractional Resurfacing

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The effects of fractional resurfacing on eyelid tightening and aperture are unknown. Our purpose was to retrospectively examine the potential for eyelid tightening and eye-aperture opening in patients treated with nonablative fractional resurfacing for facial photorejuvenation. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS Fractional laser treatments using a 1,550-nm erbium-doped fiber laser system on the upper and lower eyelids were given at a pulse energy of 17 to 20 mJ at 125 micro-thermal zones (MTZ)/cm2 to a final density of 500 to 750 MTZ/cm2. Each patient had 3 to 7 treatments. Standard pre- and post-treatment photographs were taken at each visit. Physicians who graded 31 preselected patient photographs using a 4-point scale evaluated eyelid tightening. Increase in eyelid aperture was also evaluated. RESULTS All patients had some degree of eyelid tightening; 19% achieved 1% to 25% tightening, 26% achieved 25% to 50%, 26% achieved 50% to 75%, and 29% achieved 75% to 100%. Increase in eyelid aperture was seen in 55.9% of patients. Postoperative wounding, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, persistent erythema, and scarring were not observed. All patients experienced mild or no edema for a few days after treatment. CONCLUSION Fractional resurfacing tightens and increases eyelid aperture without wounding, downtime, or long-term complications.