Skin Characteristics after Fractional Photothermolysis

BACKGROUND: Fractional photothermolysis makes thousands of minute areas called microthermal treatment zones on the skin surface and transmits thermal injury to facilitate heat shock protein formation around the dermis. Potential side effects include acneiform eruption, herpes simplex virus outbreak, erythema, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the changes in the skin of Asian patients after two different fractional photothermolysis systems (FPS) on a split face. METHODS: A half-split face study was performed with 10,600 nm carbon dioxide FPS on the left and 1,550 nm erbium-doped FPS on the right side of the face. Only one session of laser irradiation and several biophysical measurements were done. RESULTS: Although both FPS proved to be effective in treating acne scar and wrinkle patients, a slightly higher satisfaction rating was seen with the 10,600 nm FPS treatment. Both types of FPS showed a significant increase in transepidermal water loss which decreased gradually after treatment and returned to pre-treatment level after 1 week. A decreased reviscometer score was sustained for a longer period in wrinkle areas treated with 10,600 nm FPS. CONCLUSION: Even though the changes in skin varied according to different FPS wave-length, adverse outcomes, such as increased erythema and TEWL were entirely subdued within 3 months of treatment.