A Pilot Study of Skin Resurfacing Using the 2,790-nm Erbium:YSGG Laser System

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The erbiumyttrium scandium gallium garnet (ErYSGG) laser differs from other laser techniques by having a faster and higher cure rate. Since the ErYSGG laser causes an appropriate proportion of ablation and coagulation, it has advantages over the conventional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and the erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (ErYAG) laser, including heating tendencies and explosive vaporization. This research was conducted to explore the effects and safety of the ErYSGG laser. METHODS: Twenty patients participated in the pilot study of a resurfacing system using a 2,790-nm ErYSGG laser. All patients received facial treatment by the 2,790-nm ErYSGG laser system (Cutera) twice with a 4-week interval. Wrinkle reduction, reduction in pigment inhomogeneity, and improvement in tone and texture were measured. RESULTS: Study subjects included 15 women and five men. Re-epithelization occurred in all subjects 3 to 4 days after treatment, and wrinkle reduction, reduction in pigment inhomogeneity, and improvement in tone and texture within 6 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The 2,790-nm YSGG laser technique had fewer complications and was effective in the improvement of scars, pores, wrinkles, and skin tone and color with one or two treatments. We expect this method to be effective for people with acne scars, pore scars, deep wrinkles, and uneven skin texture and color.