Low-energy fractional laser improves photodamage in Asian patients

A low-energy, low-density 1,440 nm fractional laser is effective for treating photodamage in Asian patients, according to results of a small study.

Researchers from Hong Kong Dermatology and Laser Centre, Hong Kong, conducted a prospective single-arm study of 10 Chinese patients. The patients had Fitzpatrick skin types III to V and had visible signs of photodamage. The patients were given four treatments with a 1,440 nm diode-based fractional laser at two-week intervals.

A series of four treatments with the laser demonstrated mild improvement in texture, pigmentation and wrinkling, according to the study. Erythema and edema were reported immediately after treatments, but study authors reported they were transient and did not result in permanent sequela.

“The low-energy, low-density nonablative 1,440 nm fractional laser produces a mild improvement in select signs of photodamage after four treatments without any long-term adverse effects,” study authors concluded.

The study was published online March 14 in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.