BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Ablative fractional resurfacing shows promise for skin resurfacing and tightening and also to improve treatment of epidermal and dermal pigmentary disorders. This study aimed at determining any correlation between epidermal ablation and effects on the dermis when using an Er:YAG laser in ablative fractional resurfacing mode. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten female subjects ...

Photodamage is one of the most common reasons that patients visit a dermatologist's office. Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser resurfacing has always been the gold standard for reversing photodamage. Because of the relatively high incidence of side effects and the prolonged downtime associated with CO(2) resurfacing, new technologies have emerged to address photodamage. Portrait skin regeneration (PS...

Scars following trauma [1] is a cause of concern for many a patient. Various modalities have been used for the treatment of scars over the years. Corticosteroids, dermabrasion, surgical revision, chemical peeling, silicone gel application, pressure therapy, and radiation have been used with varying results [2]. Ablative lasers such as the carbon dioxide (CO2), erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (E...

Background: Most data on laser resurfacing have come from studies of people with Fitzpatrick skin types 1 3; however, the world’s population is comprised mostly of Fitzpatrick skin types 4 6, which are more susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Objective: For the purpose of expanding the expertise of plastic surgeons treating patients with darker skin types, this study exami...

BACKGROUND Lasers with infrared wavelength ranges have been used in nonablative rejuvenation of skin. In this process, cooling of the epidermis allows for laser energy heat-induced injury to the dermis without ablation of the epidermal layer. This dermal injury is theorized to produce improvements in skin quality. In addition, long-pulse Nd:YAG lasers target melanin less efficiently, allowing s...

INTRODUCTION Skin resurfacing is an accepted gold standard for the treatment of skin laxity, photodamage, and appearance of visible lines and wrinkles. However, the relatively significant risk and the long downtime associated with whole area resurfacing treatments have led to the introduction of fractional resurfacing lasers and radiofrequency (RF) technologies. This study was performed in orde...

Fractional continuous wave CO2 laser resurfacing is used to improve photodamage, wrinkles, and acne scarring by surface ablation and by using heat to activate natural collagen production and dermal remodeling. In this study, the author examined the efficacy and safety of nonincisional continuous wave fractional CO2 laser blepharoplasty in the upper lid. Standard lid measurements including margi...

Background. Fractional radiofrequency microneedle system (FRMS) is a novel fractional skin resurfacing system. Data on thermal response to this fractional resurfacing technique is limited. Objectives. To investigate histologic response of in vivo human skin to varying energy settings and pulse stacking of a FRMS in dark-skinned subjects. Methods. Two female volunteers who were scheduled for abd...