Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the picosecond alexandrite laser with specialized lens array for treatment of the photoaging décolletage

• Published in: Lasers in surgery and medicine Vol. 48; no. 2; pp. 188 - 192
• Main Authors: Wu, Douglas C., Fletcher, Leysin, Guiha, Isabella, Goldman, Mitchel P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.02.2016; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; alexandrite; chest; Cosmetic Techniques - instrumentation; Dermatologic Surgical Procedures - instrumentation; Dermatologic Surgical Procedures - methods; Female; Follow-Up Studies; fractionated; Humans; Lasers, Solid-State; Male; Middle Aged; non-ablative; photodamge; picosecond; Prospective Studies; Rejuvenation; Skin Aging; Young Adult; photodamge; chest; fractionated; alexandrite; non-ablative; rejuvenation; picosecond
• DOI: 10.1002/lsm.22427
• ISSN: 0196-8092

Background Fractionated lasers are routinely used to treat the characteristic cutaneous signs of photoaging. In this study, we evaluate the use of picosecond pulse duration combined with a diffractive lens array for treatment of photodamage of the décolletage. Methods Twenty subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I–IV were enrolled in a prospective open‐label trial evaluating the efficacy of the 755 nm picosecond pulsed alexandrite laser with diffractive lens array for treatment of photodamage to the décolletage. Each subject received a series of four laser treatments at 3 week intervals. Follow up evaluation was performed 1 and 3 months later by a masked investigator and consisted of assessment of dyspigmentation, erythema, keratosis, texture, and rhytides on a standardized 5 point scale; global aesthetic improvement 5 point scale; and investigator and subject satisfaction questionnaire. Adverse events and treatment discomfort was also assessed. Results Statistically significant improvement in dyspigmentation, keratosis, and skin texture were observed at both 1 and 3 month follow up intervals (P < 0.05). rhytides initially demonstrated significant improvement at the 1 month time point, but this significance was not maintained at 3 months (P = 0.08). There was no statistically significant improvement noted in erythema. The majority of subjects were satisfied, with a mean rating of 2.8/6 (one being extremely satisfied and six being extremely dissatisfied). Subject pain was 3.6/10. Conclusion The 755 nm picosecond pulsed alexandrite laser with diffractive lens array can be an effective option for rejuvenation of the photodamaged décolletage. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:188–192, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.