Histologic Evaluation of a Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser in the Nonablative Treatment of Wrinkles

Histologic Evaluation of a Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser in the Nonablative Treatment of Wrinkles
August 2001
To cite this article: David J. Goldberg MD, Sirunya Silapunt MD (2001)
Histologic Evaluation of a Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser in the Nonablative Treatment of Wrinkles
Dermatologic Surgery 27 (8), 744Ò746.
doi:10.1046/j.1524-4725.2001.00353.x
Blackwell Synergy

David J. Goldberg, MD*
*Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York & New Jersey, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York and Sirunya Silapunt, MD
Division of Dermatology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

Address correspondence and reprint requests to: David Goldberg, MD, 250 Old Hook Rd., Westwood, NJ 07675.
Abstract
Background. A variety of nonablative dermal remodeling techniques are currently available. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, in addition to its role in tattoo removal, hair removal, and vascular and pigmented lesion treatment, may also play a role in dermal remodeling for the treatment of wrinkles. The histologic changes seen in human skin after Q-switched Nd:YAG laser exposure have yet to be evaluated.

Objective. To study histologic changes after the use of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the nonablative treatment of photoaged skin.

Methods. Sun-damaged infrauricular skin from six female subjects was exposed to a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at fluences of 7 J/cm2 with two laser passes. Histologic examinations were performed before laser treatment and 3 months later.

Results. Biopsy specimens showed slight fibrosis in the superficial papillary dermis with unremarkable epidermal changes.

Conclusion. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser produced morphologic changes similar to, but lesser in degree, than those seen with both CO2 and Er:YAG laser resurfacing.

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