Abstract:

Objective To investigate the efficacy, side effects and downtime of a non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO2 laser in the treatment of facial photoaged skin. Methods Thirty healthy Chinese women with moderate to severe cutaneous photodamage, rhytids, and dyspigmentation received a single-session, single-pass fractional ultrapulsed CO2 laser resurfacing on the full face. The changes of pigmentation were measured using the Mexameter (Melanin index on the forehead and the highest point of the cheekbone) before the treatment and at the 1, 3-month follow-up visits (M1, M3). The global change of photodamage was evaluated with a 5-point category scale. The patients’ satisfaction was assessed with a 4-point satisfaction scale. Side effects were observed during the treatment and at the M1 and M3 follow-up visits. Results After the treatment, the mean MI both on the forehead and on the cheekbone decreased significantly from the baseline to the follow-up visits (p<0.001) at M1 and M3. All the aspects of cutaneous photodamage obtained significant improvements, including: mottled pigmentation, fine and coarse lines, sallow skin, laxity, enlarged pores, and rough texture. All the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the results. Adverse reactions, mainly transient erythema, edema, crusting and flaking, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (2/10), were minimal and reversible. Patients could resume their normal life within 7 days. Conclusions Fractional ultrapulsed CO2 laser resurfacing is a good alternative for photoaged facial skin with limited side-effects and short downtime.