Skin resurfacing with the erbium:YAG laser

BACKGROUND. Recent studies have shown that pulsed char-free carbon dioxide lasers are effective in the treatment of rhytids. However, these lasers produce thermal damage with the potential for prolonged wound healing. OBJECTIVE. In this study we evaluated the role of the erbium (Er):YAG laser in the treatment of rhytids. This laser, with a wavelength of 2940 nm, produces little thermal damage. METHODS. Twenty patients were treated with the Er:YAG laser. Perioral, periorbital, and forehead rhytids were treated. Pulsed of energy varying between 400 and 800 mJ were used. spot sizes between 2.5 and 5 mm were chosen. Patients were evaluated at 2 days, 1 month, and 2 months for erythema, time of healing, degree of improvement, and pigmentary charges. RESULTs. All 20 patients showed improvement of their rhytids. Reepitheliation occurred between 4 and 10 days. Postoperative of eythema resolved in less than 2 weeks. Clinical improvement occurred between 3 and 8 weeks after laser treatment. CONCLUSION. The Er:YAG laser plays a role in the treatment of. superficial rhytids. (C) 1997 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.