Treatment of Pain in Keloids Using Only a Long-Pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG Laser.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Keloids are benign lesions arising from overproduction of the extracellular matrix and abnormal collagen deposition by dermal fibroblasts. This altered wound healing typically occurs in response to dermal trauma. Keloid treatment poses a challenge due to the variable nature of treatment response, which can be affected by the size, appearance, and associated symptoms of erythema, pruritus, and pain. Recently, successful treatment of keloids has been reported using the Nd:YAG laser in conjunction with 5-fluorouracil and intralesional corticosteroids. We present a series of patients with symptomatic keloids, who we treated with only a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients of Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI presented for treatment of keloids with associated symptoms of pain. The keloids were most commonly located on the trunk, and seven patients had intralesional steroid injections prior to presentation with persistence of symptoms. Patient treatment consisted of two passes under a long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser with a 10 mm spot size, a fluence of 18-19 J/cm2 , and 60 ms pulse duration every 3-8 weeks. Patient-reported pain scores were collected before and after treatment. RESULTS: Following treatment, transient erythema and mild edema were noted at the treatment site. All patients reported improvement in the symptoms of pain, with an average of a 5-point reduction using a 10-point scale (R: 2-10). Five out of eight patients had total resolution of their pain. An average of 3.25 treatments (R:1-5) were needed for patients to first notice an improvement in the pain. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that treatment with a 1064 nm laser elicited a statistically significant improvement in pain in individuals with keloids (Z = 2.46, P = 0.01). No patients in our study suffered any scarring or pigment changes as a result of these treatments. CONCLUSION: Keloids are a common condition with variable rates of treatment satisfaction. Lasers have been used in an attempt to improve clinical appearance and associated symptoms. We report a significant reduction in pain for patients treated exclusively with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Long-term Facial and Body Hair Removal With a Combined Radiofrequency and Optical Home-Use Device for All Skin Types.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate long term effectiveness and safety with the use of a combined radiofrequency and optical home hair removal device in all skin types and over both facial and body areas. METHODS: A combined intense pulsed light (IPL) and radiofrequency (RF) home device was used for hair removal. Two separate study designs were evaluated. In the first design, bilateral body areas were treated with 7 weekly procedures and then unilateral areas received up to 12 monthly maintenance treatments while the corresponding other side received no further therapy. For the second design, facial areas received 4 procedures in 2 to 5 days visits, followed by 2 weekly, and then 6 biweekly procedures. All patients in both study designs had hair count evaluations up to 12 months post their last procedure. The highest energy used was 4 J/cm². RESULTS: In the first design, 58 subjects participated of which 15% were skin types V-VI. A total of 188 anatomical sites were treated. Hair reduction at 6 and 12 months post the last procedure was 56% and 52% respectively for the maintenance side and 47% and 37% for the non-maintenance side. For the second design, 19 subjects had 59 facial sites treated. Fifteen percent were skin types V –VI. The overall hair reduction at the end of receiving their procedures was 45%. At 12 months post the last procedure, the hair reduction was 42%. Aside for transient mild erythema, there were no adverse effects noted. CONCLUSIONS: Long term persistent hair reduction was achieved using an RF/IPL home-use hair reduction device. The combination of RF and optical energies allowed for the effective application of low energy usage. All skin types and both facial and body anatomical regions tolerated the procedures very well. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(5):498-503. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4741.

Sustained Benefit After Treatment of Acne Vulgaris Using Only a Novel Combination of Long-Pulsed and Q-Switched 1064-nm Nd: YAG Lasers.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris remains a challenging disease to treat in many patients. Traditional therapies may have limited successes with potential side effects. Laser and light energy devices may offer a desirable alternative. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety in using a combination laser approach with both long-pulsed (LP) and Q-switched (QS) Nd:YAG lasers in the treatment of active acne. METHODS: Twenty patients with moderate to severe inflammatory acne were treated with LP YAG laser followed immediately with QS YAG laser. Patients received at least 8 treatments. Follow-up evaluation occurred at a minimum of 12 months. Pre- and post-treatment photographs were graded by blinded physicians. All topical acne medications and oral antibiotics were discontinued throughout the therapy and follow-up period. RESULTS: There was a 81% reduction in acne lesions, with 60% of patients having 90% or greater reduction. Overall appearance was graded at 84% improvement at follow-up. Follow-up occurred at a mean of 22.7 months after completion of therapy. Aside from transient erythema, there were no other adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Active acne can be treated successfully with a combination of LP and QS YAG lasers with patients remaining off acne medications throughout laser therapy and the follow-up period.

Light-based devices in the treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions: An updated review.

BACKGROUND: Light-based devices have been used to treat cutaneous vascular lesions almost since the original development of the laser. After the introduction of the initial continuous wave and pulsed laser systems, the pulsed lasers became the gold standard device. Since then, new devices and methods to treat patients have been introduced. OBJECTIVE: To review and summarize the current literature specific to treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions with light-based devices. METHODS: A review of the current literature of light-based devices used for the treatment of vascular lesions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: New systems continue to be developed to treat vascular lesions with advantages and disadvantages compared to older devices. Nonlaser sources such as intense pulsed light and radiofrequency devices can also be used in the treatment of these patients. Newer approaches may lead to even better results.

Home hair removal in all skin types with a combined radiofrequency and optical energy source device.

BACKGROUND: Home hair removal devices are available for skin types I to IV. Side effects may limit hair removal in darker-pigmented individuals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a home hair removal device using combined radiofrequency (RF) and intense pulsed light (IPL) energy for effectiveness and safety with all skin types (I-VI). DESIGN: Two study designs: effectiveness (treating 94 bilateral patient areas weekly seven times, with one side then receiving three additional treatments at 4-week intervals) and safety (37 patient areas treated every 2-4 days for three sessions). MEASUREMENTS: Hairs were counted 3 months after treatment for the first design and 2 months after for the second. RESULTS: In the first study design, 55% hair count reduction was achieved1 month after seven treatments to all sites. The side with no further sessions had 43% hair reduction and the side receiving ongoing treatment had 58% reduction after two further treatments. Side effects were transient and minor. In the second study, with 46% of the patients having skin types V/VI, 2 months after the procedure there was 44% hair reduction. There were no adverse effects reported. CONCLUSION: For the first time, a home hair removal device has been shown to be effective and safe in all skin types using a low-energy RF-IPL device.

Lidocaine/tetracaine peel in topical anesthesia prior to laser-assisted hair removal: Phase-II and Phase-III study results.

BACKGROUND: Patient comfort is essential during dermatologic procedures. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate anesthetic efficacy in laser-assisted hair removal of a self-occluding topical anesthetic (lidocaine 70 mg/g and tetracaine 70 mg/g, "LT peel"), which air-dries and can be peeled off 30 min post-application. METHODS: Studies A (Phase-II) and B (Phase-III) were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and paired. Applications of LT peel and placebo were concurrent: in Study A, 60 subjects were randomized to 30, 45, or 60-min groups, and in Study B, 50 subjects had 30-min applications. After drug removal, the investigator assessed for erythema, edema, and blanching. Efficacy evaluations followed the procedure: subject's pain [Visual Analog Scale (VAS), no to worst pain (0 - 100)], subject's/investigator's impression of anesthetic adequacy, and investigator's pain ratings. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded. RESULTS: VAS scores were significantly lower (p < 0.05) for LT peel: mean scores were 26.7 for LT Peel vs. 44.3 for placebo (Study A total population, similar between application times) and 23 vs. 31.7 (Study B), respectively. For both studies, subject's/investigator's ratings favored LT peel (p < 0.05 vs. placebo). Mild skin reactions occurred more frequently for LT peel. CONCLUSIONS: After a 30-min application, LT peel was effective and well-tolerated in providing anesthesia for laser-assisted hair removal.

Prospective multicenter clinical trial of a minimally invasive temperature-controlled bipolar fractional radiofrequency system for rhytid and laxity treatment.

BACKGROUND: A minimally invasive fractional bipolar radiofrequency (FRF) was developed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety and efficacy of FRF in reducing face and neck rhytides and laxity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, open-label, multicenter clinical trial enrolled 100 subjects with mild to severe facial and neck rhytides and laxity at seven centers in a per-protocol analysis. One single-pass FRF treatment was administered through five 32 g-needle electrode pairs at a preselected real-time fixed temperature of 62 to 78°C, energy duration for 3 to 5 seconds, and impedance restrictions of 200 to 3,000 Ohms, ensuring intradermal delivery. Five blinded dermatologists and plastic surgeons graded randomized standardized baseline and follow-up photographs of 53 and 42 subjects at 3- and 6-month follow-up intervals, respectively, using the Fitzpatrick wrinkle and Alexiades-Armenakas laxity scales. Subject assessments and adverse events were recorded in 100 subjects. RESULTS: Blinded evaluations revealed correct pre- and post-treatment identification in 100% of scored cases, mean improvement of 25.6% on the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale and 24.1% on the Alexiades-Armenakas laxity scale at 6 months, and 100% response rate for rhytides and 95% for laxity. Subgroup analysis revealed maximal rhytid reduction in the mean target temperature of 66.7, energy duration of 4.2 seconds, and volume of denatured collagen of mm(3) denatured collagen group. Adverse events included transient erythema, edema, and ecchymoses, resolving within 1 to 5 days, and two incidents of temporary pinpoint depressions. More than 90% of subjects were satisfied or very satisfied. CONCLUSION: Real-time temperature-controlled FRF is a highly reproducible, safe, effective nonsurgical treatment of face and neck rhytides and laxity and provides important insights into neocollagenesis, neoelastogenesis, and clinical outcomes.

Photodamage therapy using an electro-optic Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Q-Switched Nd:YAG lasers produce photoacoustic effects in addition to photothermal effects which may allow for greater tissue collagen production. The objective of the study is to determine the effectiveness and tolerability of an Electro-Optic (EO) Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with Single Pulse and novel Double Pulse (DP) options in the treatment of photodamaged skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen subjects with photoaging were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, split-faced study. Subjects received 6 bi-weekly laser treatments. One half of the face was treated with a Single Pulse while the other half was treated with energies divided into a DP. Blinded investigators and subjects assessed improvement after the sixth treatment for wrinkles, coarseness, pigmentation, redness, laxity, comedones, pore size, and overall skin condition. Subjects also rated the tolerability of the treatments. RESULTS: For the Single Pulse side of the face, the investigators rated 33% of the patients as having a good to excellent (51% or greater) improvement in the overall condition of the skin while 47% of the subjects reported these levels. On the DP side, the overall improvement was good to excellent at a 27% rate by the investigators and 54% by the subjects. Distributions of improved ratings among investigators and subjects were similar for both sides of the treatment area. The majority of stinging/burning sensations during treatment were reported as mild on the DP side (62.8%) and moderate (63.8%) on the Single Pulse side. The chance of reporting none or only mild stinging/burning sensation during treatment was four times greater on the side of the face treated with the DP (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Results have shown that treatment with the EO QS Nd:YAG laser provides a safe and effective method of skin rejuvenation with the additional benefit of significantly lower patient discomfort during use of the DP mode.

Long-term fine caliber hair removal with an electro-optic Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser.

BACKGROUND: In spite of major advances in hair removal therapy, fine caliber hair remains a significant challenge for laser- and light-based devices. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate a novel Electro-Optic (EO) Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for pigmented fine caliber hair removal in the Standard Single and a double pulse (DP) mode. METHODS: Eleven patients underwent four laser treatments at monthly intervals. Bilateral anatomical regions received to one side the standard single pulse (SSP) while the other side the DP option. Blinded investigators conducted hair counts at 6 months post-treatment and after 24 months. Patients assessed hair loss and discomfort. Six patients rated their satisfaction at 6 months. RESULTS: At 6 months, investigators found a reduction of 50% in hair counts with the DP and 46% with standard pulse. Ninety percent in DP and 50% in SSP reported none to mild discomfort. Transient erythema and edema was observed with a lower severity rating with the DP. There were no other untoward effects. 83.3% of patients who completed the study at 6 months expressed satisfaction with the results. At 24 months hair loss was maintained at the same rate. CONCLUSION: The EO Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is an effective option for the permanent treatment of unwanted fine hair and has a high-patient satisfaction rate. There is less therapeutic discomfort in the DP mode.

Cutaneous compression for the laser treatment of epidermal pigmented lesions with the 595-nm pulsed dye laser.

BACKGROUND: The 595-nm pulsed dye laser has been the standard of care for many vascular lesions and has rarely been used in the treatment of epidermal pigmented lesions. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a compression technique for the treatment of epidermal pigmented lesion using a modified 595-nm pulsed dye laser with no epidermal cooling. METHODS: Twelve subjects (mean age 58 years) underwent treatments using a modified 595-nm dye laser with a compression handpiece and no epidermal cooling. Treatments were performed with radiant exposures of 7 to 12 J/cm(2), 7-mm spot size, and 1.5-ms pulse duration. Each subject received one to four treatments, 4 to 6 weeks apart. Follow-up evaluations were held before each treatment and 4 months after last treatment. RESULTS: Clearance of 75% to 100% was obtained in 43, 59, 76, and 79% of the lesions treated after one, two, three, and four treatments respectively. The fourth treatment was evaluated 4 months posttreatment. Side effects included immediate erythema and edema and rare cases of transient hyperpigmentation and atrophy. No purpura and long-lasting side effects were observed. CONCLUSION: The compression technique with a modified 595-nm pulsed dye laser system is effective and safe for the treatment of epidermal pigmented lesions.

A quality rating scale for aesthetic surgical procedures.

BACKGROUND: Cosmetic dermatologic procedures offer the promise of visible aesthetic enhancement with minimal risk. While in recent years the number of available procedures has proliferated, there are few objective methods for evaluating the relative quality of these procedures for particular indications or specific patients. OBJECTIVE: (A) To develop a simple, easy-to-use numerical rating scale to assess the quality of cosmetic surgical procedures on a range of parameters pertaining to clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction; (B) to statistically validate the discriminative value of this rating scale. METHODS: (A) Patient and physician interviews were performed to elicit a list of factors that may collectively characterize the clinical efficacy and patient tolerability of cosmetic dermatologic procedures. A 0-100 point rating scale was developed based on these factors, with the face-validity of this scale checked by a group of patients and physicians; (B) Statistical analysis of the questionnaire was performed by asking 15 expert cosmetic dermatologic surgeons to use it to rate 23 common cosmetic dermatologic procedures, and analyzing the results. RESULTS: (A) An easy-to-use scale was constructed to assess the quality of cosmetic dermatologic procedures by rating the associated cost, risk, time (procedure and recovery), discomfort, results, and longevity of benefit. A "physician adjustment factor" was used to further increase the relevance of this 0-100 point scale for specific patients; (B) Repeated-measures analysis of variations (ANOVAs) performed on the data from the survey of experts demonstrated that this scale can be used to discriminate between common dermatologic procedures. The differences in mean subscores and total scores among procedures grouped by anatomic site and target lesion-type were significant at the level of P < .05. LIMITATIONS: Patient preferences exogenous to the rating scale may increase or decrease the suitability of specific procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Common cosmetic dermatologic procedures are of uniformly high quality, as per expert ratings on a systematic measure. This quality rating scale appears statistically valid and robust, given that expert raters assigned similar ratings to the same procedures but mean ratings were different across procedures. In the future, this quality rating scale can be used to assess novel interventions, and to help dermatologic surgeons faced with patient concern to optimally select among alternative procedures for a given indication.

Complications of laser dermatologic surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Innovations in lasers, light and radiofrequency devices have allowed for improved therapeutic efficacy and safety and the ability to treat patients with an ever-increasing number of medical and aesthetic indications. Safety remains a primary concern and the timely communication of complications and their management is vital to insure that treatments be as safe as possible. The purpose of this report on the Proceedings of the First International Laser Surgery Morbidity Meeting is to provide laser experts the opportunity to present and discuss complications that their patients have experienced and how they were successfully managed. METHODS: Laser experts were invited to present complications of laser, light, and radiofrequency treatments that their patients have experienced and to discuss the potential mechanisms leading to the complications their management and final outcomes. RESULTS: Nineteen unique cases are presented and the clinical management of each case discussed. Eighteen sets of pre- and post-operative photos are presented. CONCLUSION: This report shows that even experts, with extensive experience using light-based therapies, can and do have patients who develop complications. Sound clinical judgment, and knowing how to avoid complications and their timely post-operative management, is essential to insure optimal therapeutic outcome.

Comparison of a 1,064 nm laser and a 1,320 nm laser for the nonablative treatment of acne scars.

BACKGROUND: There have been many reports of the use of nonablative lasers for the treatment of acne scars. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of the 1,064 nm neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser to treat acne scars and compare it with that of the 1,320 nm Nd:YAG laser. METHODS: Twelve patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I to III were randomly selected to have half of the face or back treated with the Lyra 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser (Laserscope Corporation, San Jose, CA, USA) and the other half with the CoolTouch II 1,320 nm Nd:YAG laser (ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Costa Mesa, CA, USA). Three treatments at 4-week intervals were performed. Patients were evaluated by photographic and profilometric methods before and 6 months after the last treatment. RESULTS: Immediate changes included mild erythema with the 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser and mild edema and erythema with the 1,320 nm Nd:YAG laser. No long-term adverse changes were seen with either laser system. Using the 1,320 nm system, 42% of the patients had 30 to 40% clinical improvement, 42% had 11 to 29%, and 16% had 10% or less. With the 1,064 nm system, 58% had 30 to 40% clinical improvement and 42% had 11 to 29%. Average improvement in acne scars evaluated by three independent observers was 22% with the 1,320 nm laser compared with 28% with the 1,064 nm laser. The subjects' own grading was 39% with the 1,320 nm laser compared with 37% for the 1,064 nm laser. Prolifometric studies demonstrated comparable improvement, with no statistical difference using either laser. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that both the 1,064 nm laser and the 1,320 nm Nd:YAG laser are safe and effective systems for the nonablative treatment of acne scars, achieving similar improvement. There appears to be a greater response with the 1,064 nm laser system as assessed by the clinical investigators.

General anesthesia for pediatric dermatologic procedures: risks and complications.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and adverse events associated with the use of general anesthesia in children undergoing elective dermatologic procedures. DESIGN: A multicenter retrospective review. SETTING: Children's Hospital and Health Center, San Diego, Calif, and Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill. PATIENTS: The study population comprised 269 children and adolescents ranging in age from 2 months to 18 years (881 procedures performed by 6 pediatric dermatologic and laser surgeons). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The risk of an adverse event occurring during general anesthesia for pediatric dermatologic procedures. RESULTS: The risk of general anesthesia in elective pediatric dermatologic procedures was low: 90% of patients experienced no clinically relevant complications. The most common clinically relevant adverse effect of general anesthesia was perioperative nausea and emesis, which was noted in 4% of patients. There were no serious life-threatening events noted, and the mortality rate was 0%. CONCLUSION: The use of general anesthesia for dermatologic procedures in a children's hospital setting appears safe, with a low rate of complications.

Evaluation of the S-Caine Peel for induction of local anesthesia for laser-assisted tattoo removal: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Topical anesthetics are important tools for many dermatologic procedures. The S-Caine Peel is composed of a 1:1 (w:w) eutectic mixture composed of lidocaine base 7%, USP, and tetracaine base 7%, USP. It is applied as a cream, dries on exposure to air, and forms a flexible membrane, which can be easily peeled off. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the S-Caine Peel in providing clinically useful local dermal anesthesia for laser-assisted tattoo removal and to monitor the nature and frequency of adverse events associated with the safety of the S-Caine Peel. METHODS: Thirty adult patients undergoing laser-assisted tattoo removal were enrolled in this multicentered, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Each subject received both the S-Caine Peel and placebo simultaneously for 60 minutes. The primary efficacy parameter was a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) for patient self-assessment of pain. Secondary efficacy parameters included both the investigator's and an independent observer's evaluation of subject pain (4-point categorical scale: no pain through severe pain) and the patient's and the investigator's overall impression of the local anesthetic. RESULTS: Mean VAS scores were 42 mm for the S-Caine Peel and 66 mm for placebo treatment sites (p=.001). Patients received adequate pain relief in 50% of S-Caine Peel sites versus 7% of placebo sites (p=.002). The percentage of those who would like to use the S-Caine Peel again were 43% for the S-Caine Peel compared with 7% for placebo (p=.005). Investigators' evaluations revealed that 70% of patients had less pain at S-Caine Peel treatment sites compared with 10% with less pain at placebo sites (p<.001), and 70% of the S-Caine Peel-treated sites achieved adequate anesthesia versus 10% of placebo sites (p<.001). The independent witness assessed less pain in 67% of S-Caine Peel-treated sites versus 10% of the placebo sites (p=.002). One occurrence of moderate to severe erythema was noted at both an S-Caine Peel and a placebo treatment site on removal of the S-Caine Peel after 60 minutes, which self-resolved quickly. There was no statistical difference between the two groups. Other side effects were limited to local mild, transient erythema at the application sites. CONCLUSION: Administration of the S-Caine Peel for 60 minutes prior to laser-assisted tattoo removal was effective in significantly reducing pain levels associated with the procedure.

Hair removal using a combination radio-frequency and intense pulsed light source.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The long-term removal of unwanted hair is achieved by many laser and intense pulse light sources. One limitation is the treatment of individuals with dark skin. The light energy with the current systems has to penetrate through the epidermis before being absorbed by the hair follicle. In individuals with dark skin the high melanin concentration in the epidermis absorbs high energies that can lead to complications. The objective of our study was to study a new system that combines optical energy, intense pulsed light (IPL), with radio frequency (RF). This allows for the use of less optical energy due to the addition of RF energy. The lower optical fluence allows for safer treatment of darker skin types. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicenter study, in which 87 patients were enrolled. A single treatment was performed on a specified body site. Twenty-one of the 69 subjects that completed the study had skin types IV-VI. Each subject was evaluated at 1, 7, 30, and 90 days after the treatment session. RESULTS: Hair counts were significantly reduced from baseline after one treatment by an average of 46%. Individual patient data showed that the percentage in hair count reduction achieved ranged from 0 to 100%, with 43% of the patients having a 50% or greater decrease. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of optical energy and RF when delivered simultaneously achieves effective hair reduction with the use of less optical energy, allowing for the safe treatment of all skin types.

Viral disease transmitted by laser-generated plume (aerosol).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possibility of disease transmission through liberated plume from virally infected tissue that is exposed to the carbon dioxide laser. DESIGN: Bovine papillomavirus-induced cutaneous fibropapillomas were exposed to the carbon dioxide laser. Laser settings were within the range of clinically used settings. The laser plume (aerosol) was suctioned and collected and then reinoculated onto the skin of calves. SETTING: University laboratory research center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Laser plume viral content and postinoculation tumor growth were analyzed and documented. RESULTS: Collected laser plume contained papillomavirus DNA in all tested laser settings. The viral DNA was most likely encapsulated. Tumors developed at laser plume-inoculated sites for all laser parameter settings. Histological and biochemical analyses revealed that these tumors were infected with the same virus type as present in the laser plume. CONCLUSIONS: Laser plume has been shown, for the first time to our knowledge, to actually transmit disease. Strict care must be maintained by the laser practitioner to minimize potential health risks, especially when treating viral-induced lesions or patients with viral disease.