Korean J Ophthalmol.  2009 Dec;23(4):235-239. 10.3341/kjo.2009.23.4.235.

Fractional Laser Photothermolysis for Treatment of Facial Wrinkles in Asians

• Lee H
• Yoon JS
• Lee SY

• KMID: 754756
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/kjo.2009.23.4.235

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of fractional photothermolysis (FP) in the treatment of facial wrinkles in Asians.
METHODS
A total of 27 Korean patients (Fitzpatrick type III or IV) received 2-3 FP treatment sessions (Sellas; Dinona Inc., Seoul, Korea) spaced two weeks apart. Treatments were performed at settings of 7 to 9 mJ/microthermal treatment zone (MTZ) and a density of 1000 MTZ/cm2. Standardized digital photographs were obtained before each treatment and three months after the final treatment. The evaluations of clinical photographs were performed by three physicians blinded to the study subjects using a five-point grading scale. In addition, the patients' perceived degree of improvement was assessed three months after the final treatment using a five-point grading scale. Side effects were monitored at each follow-up visit.
RESULTS
The physicians' assessed degrees of improvement were excellent in three patients (12%), significant in ten (40%), and moderate in seven (28%). The patients' self-assessed degrees of improvement were excellent in five patients (20%), significant in 11 (44%), and moderate in six (24%). Adverse events were limited to transient pain, erythema and edema, except in one case of transient postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
CONCLUSIONS
FP is an effective treatment modality for reducing facial wrinkles with minimal side effects in Asian patients.

Keyword

Fractional photothermolysis; Wrinkles

MeSH Terms

Adult
*Cosmetic Techniques
*Face
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Korea
Laser Coagulation/*methods
Male
Middle Aged
Phototherapy/*methods
Prospective Studies
*Skin Aging

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Assessment results by patients and physicians using a five-point grading scale: 0=no change; 1=slight improvement (1-25%); 2=moderate improvement (26-50%); 3=significant improvement (51-75%); and 4=excellent improvement (>75%).

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  Fig. 2 Specific anatomic locations with visible wrinkle reduction by self-assessed questionnaires.

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  Fig. 3 (A) Crow's feet on a 40-yr-old female before treatment. (B) Disappearance of fine wrinkles after three mon of treatment.

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  Fig. 4 (A) Nasolabial folds on a 48-yr-old female before treatment. (B) Visible shallowing of the folds after three mon of treatment.

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  Fig. 5 (A) Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and crust following treatment in a 49-yr-old female after two treatment sessions. (B) Complete disappearance of pigmentation after three mon of treatment.

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