Lasers Med Sci 2017 Feb 24;32(2):283-289. Epub 2016 Nov 24.

Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Ablative fractional lasers were introduced for treating facial rhytides. Few studies have compared fractional CO2 and Er:YAG lasers on cutaneous photodamages by a split trial. The aim of the present study was to compare these modalities in a randomized controlled double-blind split-face design with multiple sessions and larger sample size compared to previous studies done before. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2015 Nov;14(11):1191-8

Background: Fractional laser resurfacing enhances trans-epidermal delivery (TED), however laser penetration depths >250- μm fail to substantively increase drug delivery.

Aim: Evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel acoustic pressure wave ultrasound device following fractional ablative Er:YAG 2940-nm laser (FELR) and topical agents for rhytids, melasma, and acne scars.

Study Design: Randomized, blinded, parallel group split-face side-by-side, controlled study evaluating FELR and topical anti-aging and anti-pigment agents to entire face succeeded by ultrasound to randomized side. Read More

Semin Cutan Med Surg 2015 Mar;34(1):17-23

Chairman, Dermatology, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California, USA.

Advancements in medical treatment and transport over more than a decade of conflict have resulted in unprecedented survival rates for service members despite catastrophic injuries. Enhanced survival has created an unprecedented need for comprehensive rehabilitation and transition services. Though far from the exclusive domain of military dermatologists, military medicine has had a prominent role in integrating cutaneous procedural techniques into the rehabilitation of traumatically injured patients for a variety of reasons. Read More

J Dermatol Sci 2010 Apr 12;58(1):8-18. Epub 2010 Feb 12.

School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Background: The erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser is used for surgical resurfacing. It has ablative properties with water as its main chromophore.

Objective: This study attempted to establish the cutaneous effect and cellular response to Er:YAG laser irradiation using different fluences (7. Read More

Clin Dermatol 2007 Sep-Oct;25(5):462-73

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.

The development of the short-pulsed high-energy carbon dioxide laser in the mid 1990's led to the emergence of laser skin resurfacing. Used in the continuous mode, the CO(2) laser can cut and coagulate simultaneously. Used in the pulsed mode, the CO(2) laser is a powerful tool for epidermal ablation in many different contexts both therapeutic and cosmetic. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2004 Sep;30(9):1191-5

Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, DC 20037, USA.

Background: Cutaneous aging is manifested by rhytides, dyschromias, and skin laxity. Ablative laser skin resurfacing can effectively improve many signs of skin aging; however, the photoaged patient with facial laxity often requires a surgical lifting procedure in order to obtain optimal results. Concerns with delayed or impaired wound healing has led to reluctance to perform both procedures simultaneously. Read More

Br J Dermatol 2004 Jul;151(1):132-40

Pharmaceutical Laboratory, Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Background: 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) is used as a protoporphyrin IX-precursor for the photodynamic therapy of superficial skin cancer and cutaneous metastases of internal malignancies. However, the permeability of hydrophilic ALA across the skin is very low.

Objectives And Methods: The objective of this study was to optimize and enhance the in vitro skin permeation of ALA by two resurfacing techniques: erbium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Erb:YAG) laser and microdermabrasion. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2003 Apr;111(4):1524-9; discussion 1530-2

Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, DC 20037, USA.

Recent advances in technology have provided laser surgeons with new options for cutaneous laser resurfacing. Despite its popularity, there is limited information on the short-term and long-term side effects and complications of variable-pulsed erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (erbium:YAG) laser skin resurfacing. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate postoperative wound healing, side effects, and complications of multiple-pass, variable-pulsed erbium:YAG laser skin resurfacing for facial photodamage, rhytides, and atrophic scarring. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2003 Mar;29(3):255-60

Division of Cutaneous Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.

Background: After full-face laser resurfacing of the face, patients often complain of pruritus, which may be intense. It has been suggested that some cases of postresurfacing pruritus may be associated with subclinical fungal infection.

Objective: To determine whether intense pruritus after laser resurfacing of the face is correlated with simultaneous fungal growth of the treated skin. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2001 Jul;19(3):453-66

Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, DC, USA.

The short-pulsed Er:YAG laser system is an excellent ablative tool for cutaneous resurfacing. This system is most efficacious for patients with milder cutaneous involvement, including mild photoinduced facial rhytides, mildly atrophic scars, and textural changes caused by fibrosis and dermatochalasis. The Er:YAG laser cannot achieve the same dramatic clinical and histologic improvements produced with the CO2 laser but does offer some distinct advantages that make it a valuable addition to the laser surgeon's armamentarium. Read More

Dermatol Surg 1999 Nov;25(11):831-4; discussion 834-5

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami, Florida, USA.

Background: Resurfacing procedures to improve photodamage, rhytides, and scars have been developed and refined over the last century. Laser resurfacing is a relatively new procedure in the resurfacing spectrum. It has been appreciated that resurfacing of nonfacial skin by dermabrasion, chemical peels, or carbon dioxide (CO2) laser carries an unacceptably high risk of scarring. Read More

Dermatol Surg 1999 Mar;25(3):242-6

Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, DC, USA.

Background: Cutaneous laser resurfacing with carbon dioxide and erbium:YAG lasers has achieved remarkable clinical results with a relatively low risk of morbidity and complications. The incidence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation after resurfacing can be decreased by prophylaxis with antiviral agents. Famciclovir is effective in the suppression and treatment of HSV infections; however, no studies have examined the optimum dosing regimen for HSV prophylaxis in laser resurfacing. Read More

Lasers Surg Med 1999 ;24(2):87-92

Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, DC 20037, USA.

Background: Several erbium:YAG lasers are currently available for cutaneous laser resurfacing. Although different laser systems are purported to produce equivalent laser energies to produce similar laser-tissue interactions, no comparative clinical or histologic studies have been performed to objectively demonstrate their relative efficacies.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the in vivo clinical and histopathologic effects of six different erbium:YAG resurfacing lasers. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 1999 Feb;103(2):619-32; discussion 633-4

Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and Georgetown University Medical Center, DC, USA.

The development and integration of pulsed and scanned CO2 and erbium:YAG laser systems into mainstream surgical practice over the past years has revolutionized cutaneous resurfacing. These lasers are capable of delivering to skin high peak fluences to effect controlled tissue vaporization, while leaving an acceptably narrow zone of residual thermal damage. The inherent technological differences that exist between the two distant laser systems in terms of ablation depths, degree of thermal coagulation, and postoperative side-effects and complications guide patient selection and management. Read More

Dermatol Surg 1999 Jan;25(1):1-9

Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, DC, USA.

Background: The periorbital region serves as a barometer of chronologic and environmental age and, as such, patients often seek its cosmetic rejuvenation.

Objective: The purpose of this article was to review the dermatologic treatments available for periorbital skin rejuvenation.

Methods: Topical retinoic and glycolic acid preparations, chemical peels, botulinum and collagen injections, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing procedures for periorbital skin rejuvenation were reviewed. Read More

Dermatol Surg 1998 Dec;24(12):1303-7

Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.

Background: Although laser resurfacing has become increasingly popular in the treatment of Caucasian skin, concerns about healing and postinflammatory pigmentary changes have limited its use in Asian skin.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of the Erbium(ER):YAG laser used in the treatment of Asian skin.

Methods: Fifty Asian individuals with Rhytids, scars, pigmentary alteration, and a variety of cutaneous growth were treated with the Erbium:YAG laser. Read More

South Med J 1998 Sep;91(9):806-14

Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and Georgetown University Medical Center, DC, USA.

Background: The use of lasers has assumed an increasingly important role in the treatment of a variety of cutaneous lesions over the past few decades. Because of their effectiveness, physicians from a variety of specialties have incorporated lasers into their practices. Unfortunately, widespread availability of lasers and the public's fascination with their potential uses have created extraordinary, often unrealistic, expectations. Read More

Dermatol Surg 1998 Jan;24(1):109-11

Background: Resurfacing the skin with deep chemical peels, dermabrasion, or lasers tightens the skin via dermal remodeling. The erbium (Er):YAG laser is a new laser for resurfacing and it removes lesional tissue efficiently with minimal residual thermal damage. In this paper, I present the first published study, to my knowledge, documenting and quantifying the cutaneous contraction following Er:YAG laser resurfacing of human skin. Read More

Lasers Surg Med 1996 ;19(3):324-30

Department of Dermatology, University of Frankfurt Medical School, Germany.

Background And Objective: Among the various pulsed midinfrared-lasers studied in skin surgery the 2.94 microns Erbium:YAG laser has been shown to combine most efficacious ablation with least thermal damage due to its unique absorption characteristics in tissue water. A newly developed high-power Erbium:YAG laboratory laser providing output energies (up to 1. Read More