SKIN RESURFACING WITH THE ERBIUM-YAG LASER

BACKGROUND. Recent studies have shown that pulsed char-free carbon dio xide lasers are effective in the treatment of rhytids. However, these lasers produce thermal damage with the potential for prolonged wound h ealing. OBJECTIVE. In this study we evaluated the role of the erbium ( Er):YAG laser in the treatment of rhytids. This laser, with a waveleng th of 2940 nm, produces little thermal damage. METHODS. Twenty patient s were treated with the Er:YAG laser. Perioral, periorbital, and foreh ead 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 w ere evaluated at 2 days, 1 month, and 2 months for erythema, time of h ealing, degree of improvement, and pigmentary charges. RESULTs. All 20 patients showed improvement of their rhytids. Reepitheliation occurre d between 4 and 10 days. Postoperative of eythema resolved in less tha n 2 weeks. Clinical improvement occurred between 3 and 8 weeks after l aser treatment. CONCLUSION. The Er:YAG laser plays a role in the treat ment of. superficial rhytids. (C) 1997 by the American Society for Der matologic Surgery, Inc.