1. Fractional Laser Therapy Benefits Acne Scar.
Non-ablative 1,540nm fractional laser therapy improves atrophic
acne scars with a low rate of adverse events, a recent trial showed. Ten patients participated in the
study, which involved selection of two areas of similar size within contralateral anatomic regions
per patient, randomly treated with laser (three monthly sessions) or no therapy. Investigators
deemed treated scars more even and smooth than controls. Five of 10 patients rated treated scars as
moderately or significantly improved. Patients experienced transient moderate pain, erythema,
edema, bullae, and crusts. (Lasers in Medical Science, online June 17)
2. Lasers for Melasma Better After Topical Therapy.
Subjective assessments suggest that 1064nm, Q-switched
Nd:YAG laser therapy provides better efficacy when provided after topical triple combination therapy
rather than before. In a recent study, 13 patients received topical therapy for eight weeks on one
side of the face and 1064nm, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser therapy on the other. At the end of eight
weeks, treatments were switched. After 16 weeks, subjective scores were higher for the side of the
face treated with laser after topical therapy. (Dermatol Surgery 36(6):909-918)
3. Excimer Laser Improves Vitiligo.
Twice-weekly treatment (30 treatments total) with the 308nm excimer laser
is safe and effective for treatment of vitiligo, new data suggest. Treatment may be most effective for
lesions on the face/neck and trunk. In the study, 61.4 percent of patients had greater than 75 percent
repigmentation; 9.1 percent had 51-75 percent repigmentation; 22.7 percent had 26-50 percent
repigmentation; and 6.8 percent had 25 percent repigmentation or less. Response rates were better
on the face/neck (74.1 percent) and trunk (100 percent). (Photodermatology, Photoimmunology &
Photomedicine 26(3):138-42)
4. Radiofrequency Treatments Modify Skin Elasticity.
Objective measures of mechanical skin properties suggest
beneficial effects of bipolar radiofrequency treatment. Compared to baseline measures, elastometry
measures were significantly improved three months after RF treatment, with increases in elasticity
and decreases in retraction time. Average improvement correlated to a 2.6-year improvement in skin
properties. (Dermatol Surgery 36(6):877-884)
5. Fractional Radiofrequency Improves Skin Laxity.
Minimally invasive fractional radiofrequency (FRF) treatment
provides about one-third the improvement of skin laxity that surgical facelifts provide without
adverse effects or complications of surgery. A blinded evaluation of baseline and post-treatment
photos revealed an average 49 percent improvement in skin laxity for surgery and a 16 percent
improvement for FRF. Surgery earned a mean 1.20-grade improvement on the four-point laxity grading
scale; FRF earned a mean 0.44-grade improvement (37 percent of the score for surgery). (Arch
Dermatol 146(4):396-405)
