BACKGROUND. Laser resurfacing of the face is widely used to correct the eff
ects of photoaging. The neck also develops a similar degree of photoaging,
but is not usually treated because a higher incidence of adverse effects ca
n occur with laser treatment,
OBJECTIVE. TO present a new method for treating photoaged skin of the neck
with an erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Er: YAG) laser.
METHODS. Twenty patients underwent Er:YAG laser resurfacing of the neck wit
h one of two methods. Method 1 consisted of using the Er:YAG with a 5-mm di
ameter collimated beam at a fluence of 8.7 J/cm(2) followed by a second pas
s using a 0.2 mm diameter non-collimated spot at 1.7J in a defocused mode w
ith spot sizes ranging from about 5 to 10 mm in diameter (fluences from 2-9
J/cm(2)), Method 2 consisted of treating the entire neck with a single pas
s of the Er:YAG laser with a 4 mm diameter non-collimated spot at 1.7 J (fl
uence of 13.5 J/cm(2)). A second pass at identical settings was made on the
upper half of the neck with a more defocused pass using a 6-10 mm diameter
spot (fluence of 2-6 J/cm(2)) on the lower half of the neck. Patients were
evaluated by two nontreating physicians as to overall satisfaction and imp
rovement in skin texture and color.
RESULTS. Overall, 51% of patients were satisfied with their results. Skin t
exture improved an average of 39%. Method 1 produced a 28% improvement, Met
hod 2 a 48% improvement. Skin color improved an average of 37%, Method 1 pr
oduced a 28% improvement, Method 2 a 45% improvement,
CONCLUSION. Photoaged skin of the neck can be effectively treated with the
Er:Yag laser with minimal adverse effects.