Non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO2 resurfacing of photoaged facial skin: preliminary clinical report.

This study evaluates results, adverse side effects and downtime of the protocol 'ActiveFX' for photodamaged facial skin. A non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO2 laser with specific settings is used in addition to a new computer pattern generator (CPG). From September 2006 to March 2007, 55 patients underwent this new 'soft' single-session, single-pass and full-face ablative fractional treatment. The patients were evaluated at baseline and 1 and 3 months after the treatment using a five-point scale. Seven aspects of photodamaged skin were recorded: global score, fine lines, mottled pigmentation, sallow complexion, tactile roughness, coarse wrinkles and telangiectasias. The results were compared with a non-parametric statistical test, the Wilcoxon's exact test. Eight patients received a double-pass treatment on the crow's feet regions and the improvement of the coarse wrinkles was analyzed with a quartile grading scale. Significant differences (p<0.05) between baseline and 1 and 3 months post-treatment were observed for all features except telangiectasias. Coarse wrinkles presented a good improvement only in the regions submitted to a double-pass. Minimal and isolated adverse side effects were noted and the downtime was very low. Non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO2 light treatment ('ActiveFX') can be considered an excellent alternative for photodamaged facial skin.

Intense pulsed light treatment of 1,000 consecutive patients with facial vascular marks.

BACKGROUND: Facial teleangectasias or vascular marks often represent a very cosmetically detracting problem for the affected patient, who tries to cover the lesions by camouflage strategies. This study describes the response of these vascular lesions after an intense pulsed light source was used on 1,000 consecutive patients. METHODS: Between October 1998 and April 2005, 1,000 consecutive patients with various skin types (Fitzpatrick I to IV) were treated with Photoderm VL. The average age of the patients was 47.1 years. These patients were subjected to a mean of 2.16 treatments (range, 1-9), then followed up 48 h, 72 h, 1 week, 3 weeks, and 1 month after each treatment. All the patients were followed up 2 months after the last treatment, and the percentage of clearance was assessed by comparison of pre- and posttreatment photographs. The patients also answered a questionnaire in which they expressed personal satisfaction. The final physicians-nurse evaluation also was recorded on the same form. RESULTS: Most of the patients (89.70%) experienced a clearance of 75% to 100%. The results appear to be correlated with operator experience, but not with lesion size, age, or skin type. Minimal adverse side effects occurred for 14.6% of the patients, but only for 6.76% of the treatments. CONCLUSION: The intense pulsed light source Photoderm VL can be considered a fast, safe, and effective treatment for facial teleangectasias or vascular marks.

Facial teleangectasias: our experience in treatment with IPL.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Facial teleangectasias can be a relevant cosmetic problem, which the patient usually hides with a thick layer of makeup. This study will describe the response on these vascular lesions using the intense pulsed light (IPL) source. METHODS: Five hundred eighteen consecutive patients were treated with Photoderm VL (Lumenis Ltd.). The average age of patients of various skin types (Fitzpatrick I to IV) was 48.5 years. They were subjected to a mean of 1.69 treatments (range 1-9) followed up 48 hours, 72 hours, 1 week, 3 weeks, and 1 month after each treatment. All patients were followed up after 2 months from the last treatment and the percentage of clearance was assessed by comparing pre- and post-treatment photographs. The patients also answered a questionnaire in which they expressed personal satisfaction. The physicians evaluation was also recorded on the same form. RESULTS: Patients (87.64%) presented a clearance of 75%-100%. The results appear not correlated with lesions size, age, skin type but with operator experience. Minimal side adverse effects occurred in 20% of the patients. CONCLUSION: The IPL source, Photoderm VL, can be considered an alternative or a supplement to the existing laser devices for facial teleangectasias treatment.