Non-ablative laser treatment of facial rhytides: A comparison of 1450-nm diode laser treatment with dynamic cooling as opposed to treatment with dynamic cooling alone

Background and Objective: Non-ablative dermal remodeling has been shown to create new dermal collagen. This is thought to occur secondary to a laser-induced injury to the skin. Other mechanisms of injury may lead to similar results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and complication rate of a 1450-nm diode laser and compare clinical effect when the laser is used in conjunction with cryogen cooling as compared to the use of cryogen cooling alone. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Twenty subjects, skin types I-IV, age range 42-70 years, with Class I and II rhytides were enrolled in the study. Subjects were treated with 2-4 laser treatments and cryogen cooling on one side of their face, while the contralateral side was treated with cryogen cooling alone. Subjects were evaluated six months after their final treatment. Results: Thirteen subjects showed clinical improvement on the laser/cryogen treated side. No subjects were noted to have any improvement at the cryogen alone side. Conclusion: The 1450-nm diode laser can lead to non-ablative improvement of rhytides. This effect appears to be a direct laser induced effect. (C) 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.