Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020 Jun 30. Epub 2020 Jun 30.

Department of Dermatology, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hwaseong, Korea.

Background: Novel picosecond lasers using a diffractive optical element (P-DOE) have been available for skin resurfacing with distinct mechanisms. However, there are limited data directly comparing P-DOE and conventional fractional lasers for the treatment of atrophic acne scarring.

Objectives: We sought to compare the efficacy and safety of a 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet P-DOE and a non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) in the treatment of acne scarring. Read More

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2020 Jan 1;13(1):22-27. Epub 2020 Jan 1.

Drs. Borges, Cuzzi, and Manela-Azulay are with Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, in Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil.

Laser resurfacing is a common treatment for photoaging. This treatment creates skin incisions that initiate the wound healing cascade, including reorganization of the collagen matrix, in a dermal remodeling process that can last up to 12 months. We compared the effects of nonablative and ablative Erbium fractional laser resurfacing on dermal content and arrangement of Collagen Types I and III, and on fibroblast activation. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2020 Apr 20;19(4):925-929. Epub 2020 Jan 20.

Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego, CA.

Background: Hybrid fractional laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that combines fractional nonablative and ablative wavelengths to improve photoaging. The postoperative period involves overt skin swelling, redness, and roughness.

Objective: A single-center, randomized trial was performed to compare the effect of a standard Skincare regimen, with and without an anhydrous gel with TriHex peptides (a proprietary tripeptide and hexapeptide blend), on recovery after hybrid laser resurfacing of the face. Read More

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2020 Feb;28(1):37-44

University Hospital, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA. Electronic address:

In the 2000s, there was a significant expansion in technology that was described as "nonablative." These devices featured several different wavelengths and technologies. What they shared in common was the goal of delivering improvement in skin appearance while minimizing downtime and complications. Read More

Aesthet Surg J 2019 Sep 5. Epub 2019 Sep 5.

Private Practice in Istanbul, Turkey.

Background: Improvements in skin erythema and elasticity have been seen with topical application of platelet-rich plasma after fractional laser treatment. Nanofat, when injected in small needles into the dermis has shown improvements in tissue thickness, discoloration and wrinkle depth.

Objective: To evaluate improvements in skin following a nonablative fractional laser (FXD) treatment combined with the application of a novel topical nanofat biocrème, called neo-U. Read More

Am J Clin Dermatol 2019 Oct;20(5):683-690

Advanced Dermatology, Lincolnshire and Glencoe, IL, USA.

Over the past 30 years, the treatment of acne scars has undergone changes that have been significantly influenced by the concurrent development of new devices. The advent of fractional resurfacing lasers was a watershed moment for acne scarring therapy. The author recounts a career history of considerations of acne scarring treatments as well as the literature supporting the experiences causing changes in practice. Read More

Facial Plast Surg 2019 Jun 12;35(3):248-255. Epub 2019 Jun 12.

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Summit, New Jersey.

Laser technology continues to increase in popularity and expand treatment options for patients with common but challenging skin conditions including facial telangiectasias, facial aging, striae distensae, and acne scars. Facial telangiectasias have been estimated to occur in tens of millions of people worldwide. The 585-nm laser was the first to follow the principle of selective photothermolysis for the treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions, but it caused significant postoperative purpura. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2019 01;143(1):64-74

Dallas, Texas; and Miami, Fla. From the Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; private practice; and Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute.

Background: Use of nonsurgical skin rejuvenation has grown over the past two decades. This has led to an increase in ablative and nonablative resurfacing devices. Moderate to heavy perioral rhytides require an ablative laser to maximize results. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2019 03;45(3):468-470

Private Practice, Dermatology Institute, Chula Vista, California Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California.

Dermatol Surg 2018 08;44(8):1109-1114

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Faculdade de Medicina, Serviço de Anatomia Patológica-Brasil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Background: Expression of p53 by keratinocytes may be important in the pathogenesis of skin cancer induced by ultraviolet light.

Objective: We used side-by-side nonablative and ablative erbium fractional laser resurfacing to assess the effects on expression of p53 by facial keratinocytes.

Methods: Ten female patients (age range, 50-63 years) with Fitzpatrick skin Types I-IV and clinical signs of photoaging underwent erbium fractional laser resurfacing (nonablative, 1,540-nm; ablative, 2,940-nm) on opposite sides of the face. Read More

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2018 May;26(2):113-121

Holcomb-Kreithen Plastic Surgery, 1 South School Avenue, Suite 800, Sarasota, FL 34237, USA.

Laser and light skin rejuvenation have changed dramatically in the last 10 years. CO and erbium:YAG remain the main wavelengths, but fractional, nonablative, and combination devices have been added. For those patients with lighter skin types and extensive photodamage and rhytids, full-field ablative laser resurfacing remains the procedure of choice. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2018 Jan;17(1):41-46

BACKGROUND: Fractional photothermolysis (FP) is a popular treatment option for photodamaged skin and addresses shortcomings of ablative skin resurfacing and nonablative dermal remodeling. Previous studies have demonstrated that FP using the 1550nm wavelength has led to improvement of ultrastructural changes and clinical effects associated with photodamaged skin in the deeper dermal structures, while treatment with the 1927nm wavelength has shown clinical effects in the superficial dermis. Both wavelengths produce precise microscopic treatment zones (MTZs) in the skin. Read More

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2017 Jun 1;10(6):51-67. Epub 2017 Jun 1.

Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.

Nonablative laser resurfacing represents one of the major advances in procedural dermatology over the past decade. However, its use in darker skin types is limited by safety concerns and a relative lack of available data. To provide evidence-based recommendations for the use of fractional lasers in darker skin types. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2018 Apr 31;17(2):184-192. Epub 2017 Aug 31.

Clinical Department, Viora Inc., New York, NY, USA.

Background: Fractional radiofrequency (RF) technology is often the preferable skin resurfacing treatment, especially among Asian patients. Second generation fractional RF technology has exclusive capability to produce separate biological responses (ablation, coagulation, or a combination of both) with 3 distinguished penetration depth programs.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fractional RF handpiece such as this, on the Thai population. Read More

J Cosmet Laser Ther 2018 Nov - Dec;20(7-8):382-384. Epub 2018 Jun 28.

a Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology , Sidney Kimmel Medical College , Philadelphia , PA , USA.

Objective: Pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis (PXE-PDE) is a rare skin condition seen predominantly in elderly females. These asymptomatic lesions are brought to the dermatologist's attention due to patient's displeasure in their appearance. We report a case of a 28-year-old female with PXE-PDE on the right neck treated with nonablative fractional resurfacing (NAFR). Read More

Dermatol Surg 2017 Oct;43(10):1249-1262

*Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois; †Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; ‡Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; §SkinCare Physicians, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts; ‖Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, New York, New York; ¶Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; #Union Square Laser Dermatology, New York, New York; **Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Northern California, Sacramento, California; ††Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California; ‡‡Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego Health System, San Diego, California; §§DermOne, LLC, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania; ‖‖Division of Dermatology, Section of Procedural Dermatology, Cooper University Health Care, Marlton, New Jersey; ¶¶Westlake Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Austin, Texas; ##Division of Plastic Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois; ***Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California; †††Department of Dermatology, Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Departments of ‡‡‡Otolaryngology, and §§§Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.

Background: Currently, the isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) package insert contains language advising the discontinuation of isotretinoin for 6 months before performing cosmetic procedures, including waxing, dermabrasion, chemical peels, laser procedures, or incisional and excisional cold-steel surgery. It is common practice to follow this standard because of concerns regarding reports of sporadic adverse events and increased risk of scarring.

Objective: To develop expert consensus regarding the safety of skin procedures, including resurfacing, energy device treatments, and incisional and excisional procedures, in the setting of concurrent or recent isotretinoin use. Read More

Clin Dermatol 2017 Mar - Apr;35(2):183-189. Epub 2016 Oct 27.

Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New York, New York , 955 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10028. Electronic address:

The treatment of acne and acne scarring with lasers and light-based and energy-based technologies has become an integral component of our therapeutic arsenal. Lasers including infrared wavelengths and pulsed dye lasers; light devices including blue light, red light, and broadband light; and photodynamic therapy with aminolevulinic acid and methylaminolevulinic acid have been shown to be effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris. The optimal outcomes are achieved with photodynamic therapy combined with medical therapy. Read More

JAMA Facial Plast Surg 2017 Jan;19(1):64-71

Division of Otolaryngology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison.

Importance: The market for nonsurgical, energy-based facial rejuvenation techniques has increased exponentially since lasers were first used for skin rejuvenation in 1983. Advances in this area have led to a wide range of products that require the modern facial plastic surgeon to have a large repertoire of knowledge.

Objective: To serve as a guide for current trends in the development of technology, applications, and outcomes of laser and laser-related technology over the past 5 years. Read More

Semin Cutan Med Surg 2016 Dec;35(4):238-241

Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York, USA.

The types of cosmetic procedures favored by Asian individuals are unique and tailored to their anatomical differences. Thus, a customized approach is taken for different cosmetic procedures, ranging from neurotoxins and fillers to nonablative fractional resurfacing. The purpose of this review article is to identify the different types of cosmetic procedures commonly sought by Asian individuals and to understand how these different procedures are customized toward their aesthetic preferences. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2017 Jan;43 Suppl 1:S19-S24

*The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York; †Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, New York, New York; ‡McDaniel Institute of Anti-Aging Research, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Background: Laser therapy is a continuously evolving treatment option for scars, and the underlying therapeutic mechanisms continue to be elucidated.

Objective: To comprehensively review the literature to summarize the role of elastin in the formation scars, as well as treatment via therapeutic lasers.

Methods: Review of the PubMED/MEDLINE database for available studies pertaining to the role of elastic fibers in scar formation and after laser-based therapy. Read More

Clin Plast Surg 2016 Jul 13;43(3):515-25. Epub 2016 May 13.

New Jersey Plastic Surgery, 29 Park Street, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA.

Laser resurfacing is a very popular procedure worldwide. Full field and fractional lasers are used in many aesthetic practices. There have been significant advances in laser resurfacing in the past few years, which make patient treatments more efficacious and with less downtime. Read More

J Cosmet Laser Ther 2016 Nov 5;18(7):397-402. Epub 2016 Aug 5.

b S.Filippo Neri Hospital, Plastic Surgery , Rome , Italy.

In this study were described the results, by tridimensional imaging evaluation, of the new "Combined Fractional Resurfacing" technique with the first fractional laser that overtakes the limits of traditional ablative, nonablative fractional resurfacing by combining CO ablative and GaAs nonablative lasers. These two wavelengths can work separately or in a mixed modality to give the best treatment choice to all the patients. In this study, it is demonstrated that the simultaneous combination of the CO wavelength (10600 nm) and GaAs wavelength (1540 nm) reduced the downtime, reduced pain during the treatment, and produced better results on fine wrinkles reduction and almost the same results on pigmentation as seen with 3D analysis by Antera (Miravex). Read More

Dermatol Surg 2016 May;42 Suppl 2:S150-6

*Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; †Scripps Clinic, Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology, San Diego, California; ‡Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado.

Background: Scar formation from surgical procedures is an unavoidable risk. Despite measures taken by both the surgeon and patient during the perioperative and postoperative periods to maximize cosmesis, some patients will wish to pursue surgical or laser scar revision.

Objective: The authors propose a treatment algorithm to assist in approaching surgical scar revision with combination treatments. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2016 Mar;42(3):392-402

*Skin of Color Center, Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai St. Luke's, New York, New York; †Summit Medical Group, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey; ‡Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas; §Department of Dermatology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California; ‖Department of Dermatology, Tufts School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; ¶Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois; #Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.

Background: There is a paucity of studies investigating laser resurfacing in Fitzpatrick skin phototypes (SPT) IV to VI.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of fractional nonablative laser resurfacing in the treatment of acne scarring in patients with SPT IV to VI.

Methods And Materials: The authors conducted a randomized, investigator-blinded and rater-blinded, split-face comparative study of adults with SPT IV to VI and facial acne scars treated with 2 different density settings and the same fluence. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2016 Apr 7;69(4):e87-95. Epub 2016 Jan 7.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Electronic address:

Background: Acne scars are common and cause cosmetic problems. There is a multitude of treatment options for acne scars, including dermabrasion, chemical peeling, and fillers, but the advent of laser technology has greatly improved the treatment of acne scars. Although several laser systems are available, studies comparing their efficacy are limited. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2016 Jan;42(1):12-20

*Department of Dermatology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois; †Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, Goldman, Butterwick, Fitzpatrick, Groff & Fabi, San Diego, California; ‡Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of California; §Department of Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

Background: Over recent decades, the options available to patients for cosmetic rejuvenation have expanded dramatically. The range of options commonly available to patients now includes neuromodulators, fillers, sclerotherapy, chemical peels, lasers, lights and other energy devices, and liposculpture and continues to grow. Like all therapeutic interventions, these cosmetic dermatologic procedures are not without risk. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2016 Jan;42(1):1-11

*Department of Dermatology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois; †Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, Goldman, Butterwick, Fitzpatrick, Groff & Fabi, San Diego, California; ‡Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of California; §Department of Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

Background: Over recent decades, the options available to patients for cosmetic rejuvenation have expanded dramatically. The range of options commonly available to patients now includes neuromodulators, fillers, sclerotherapy, chemical peels, liposculpture, lasers, and lights and other energy devices and continues to grow. As with all therapeutic interventions, these cosmetic dermatologic procedures are not without risk. Read More

J Dermatolog Treat 2015 29;26(6):551-7. Epub 2015 Sep 29.

a Department of Dermatology , Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine , Seoul , Korea.

Background: As compared with ablative fractional CO2 laser, ablative fractional erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser is considered to be a more suitable treatment option for photoaged skin in Asians due to the lower incidence of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of ablative fractional Er:YAG laser (ablative fractional resurfacing [AFR]) and nonablative fractional 1550-nm Er:glass laser (non-AFR [NAFR]) in the treatment of photoaging.

Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded comparative study. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2014 Nov;13(11):1317-22

Background: Long-term exposure to sunlight, including ultraviolet A and B, produces signs associated with photoaging and photodamage, including laxity and discoloration of the skin. Initial laser treatment for dyspigmentation included the use of ablative lasers, followed by Q-switched lasers and more recently fractional lasers.

Objective: We investigated the safety and efficacy of a fractionated 1927nm non-ablative thulium laser for the treatment of photo-induced pigmentation. Read More

Curr Probl Dermatol 2015 18;46:129-35. Epub 2014 Dec 18.

Department of Dermatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Treatment of widespread actinic keratoses (AKs) and extensive photodamage is a challenge. One of the treatment options is laser therapy, whereby physicians have the option of using ablative lasers (CO2 and Erbium Yttrium Aluminium Garnet) or nonablative fractional laser systems. With ablative laser systems, the superficial layers of the skin are ablated, including epidermal and superficial dermal actinic damage. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2014 Dec;40 Suppl 12:S157-63

New York Laser & Skin Care, New York, New York.

Background: Fractional photothermolysis, an approach to laser skin resurfacing that creates microscopic thermal wounds in skin separated by islands of spared tissue, was developed to overcome the high incidence of adverse events and prolonged healing times associated with full coverage ablative laser procedures.

Objective: To examine whether fractional nonablative laser resurfacing induces skin tightening.

Materials And Methods: A literature review was performed to evaluate the clinical and histologic effects of fractional nonablative laser resurfacing and full coverage ablative resurfacing procedures. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2014 Nov;40(11):1163-72

*Department of Dermatology, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, Manchester; †Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, DC.

Background: Laser skin resurfacing was popularized for photoaged and scarred skin 2 decades ago. Since then, several technologic advancements have led to a new generation of delivery systems that produce excellent clinical outcomes with reduced treatment risks and faster recovery times.

Objectives: To review the evolution of laser skin resurfacing from pulsed and scanned infrared laser technology to the latest techniques of nonablative and ablative fractional photothermolysis. Read More

Lasers Surg Med 2014 Nov 26;46(9):663-5. Epub 2014 Sep 26.

Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5Z 4E8.

Background: Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei (LMDF) is a rare granulomatous disease. It presents as red-brown papules on the face that can resolve with scarring. LMDF is often resistant to treatment. Read More

Facial Plast Surg 2014 Aug 30;30(4):422-30. Epub 2014 Jul 30.

Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee.

The appearance of the forehead and brow conveys both a state of aging as well as the dynamic status of human emotion. Maintaining a youthful and pleasant appearance of this region is often integral to facial rejuvenation. Conditions that are often addressed include transverse rhytids and glabellar frown lines, ptotic eyebrows, skin deterioration, and volume loss. Read More

Lasers Surg Med 2014 Jul 14;46(5):375-9. Epub 2014 Mar 14.

Hong Kong Dermatology and Laser Centre, Hong Kong, China.

Background And Objective: As the demand for diminished procedure-associated downtime continues to increase, nonablative fractional laser resurfacing is becoming a more popular intervention in the progression of photoaging. Patients with pigmented skin and a mild degree of photodamage may be particularly suited for a less intensive laser treatment. In this study, we have evaluated the safety and efficacy of a low energy, low density 1,440-nm fractional laser in the treatment of multiple signs of photoaging including dyspigmentation, wrinkling, tissue laxity, enlarged pores, and skin roughness in Asians. Read More

Facial Plast Surg 2014 Feb 31;30(1):49-54. Epub 2014 Jan 31.

Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.

Since its introduction in 2004 by Manstein et al, fractional resurfacing has revolutionized the manner in which we treat photoaging. Fractional resurfacing delivers microscopic beams of light to the skin resulting in coagulation or vaporization of fragments of the epidermis and dermis. The wavelengths of these devices may vary, yielding different clinical results. Read More

Facial Plast Surg 2014 Feb 31;30(1):40-8. Epub 2014 Jan 31.

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

By utilizing resurfacing lasers, physicians can significantly improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, scars, and more. The carbon dioxide and erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet lasers were the first ablative resurfacing lasers to offer impressive results although these earlier treatments were associated with significant downtime. Later, nonablative resurfacing lasers such as the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser proved effective, after a series of treatments with less downtime, but with more modest results. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2014 Jan 14;40(1):87-9. Epub 2013 Nov 14.

Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.

Dermatol Surg 2014 Feb 14;40(2):201-2. Epub 2013 Nov 14.

Dermatologic Surgery and Laser Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California.

Clin Dermatol 2013 Nov-Dec;31(6):718-24

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address:

Since the early 1980s, the field of skin rejuvenation has evolved rapidly. Traditional ablative resurfacing with carbon dioxide and Er:YAG lasers offered dramatic improvement of the skin tone and texture, but prolonged postoperative period and an increased risk for side effects and complications were unacceptable for the majority of patients. It prompted the development of nonablative lasers and non-laser systems, which stimulate dermal neocollagenesis without epidermal disruption, and therefore, produce less adverse effects with little or no healing time. Read More

Semin Cutan Med Surg 2013 Mar;32(1):53-8

Department of Dermatology, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.

The techniques of noninvasive facial rejuvenation are forever being redefined and improved. This article will review historical as well as present approaches to resurfacing, discussing the nonablative tools that can complement resurfacing procedures. Current thoughts on the pre- and postoperative care of resurfacing patients are also considered. Read More

J Wound Care 2013 Sep;22(9):510-3

Registrar, Department of Surgery, North Central Regional Health Authority, EWMSC, Trinidad.

The field of laser skin resurfacing has evolved rapidly over the past two decades from ablative lasers, to nonablative systems using near-infrared, intense-pulsed light and radio-frequency systems, and most recently fractional laser resurfacing. Although fractional thermolysis is still in its infancy, its efficacy in in the treatment of skin disorders have been clearly demonstrated. Here we present a case report on the safety and efficacy of a 1540nm erbium:glass laser in the treatment of the waffle pattern of a meshed skin graft in a 38-year-old patient with type V skin in the Caribbean. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2013 Sep;12(9):986-9

Pain is a common patient complaint with dermatologic laser procedures and effective pain management is important for the comfort and satisfaction of patients undergoing these procedures. Many topical anaesthetics are available as options to decrease the pain associated with these procedures, although not all have the same degree of safety. An FDA-approved lidocaine and tetracaine topical anesthetic cream [Pliaglis®, liodocaine and tetracaine 7%/7% cream (LT cream), Galderma Laboratories LP, Fort Worth, TX] is safe and effective when used with common laser therapies such as ablative and nonablative laser resurfacing, laser hair removal, laser treatment of vascular lesions, and laser tattoo removal. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2013 Sep;12(3):170-8

Department of Dermatology, Kuwait University Hospital, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.

Background: Carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and erbium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Er-YAG) lasers are the gold standards in ablative skin resurfacing. Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd-YAG) laser is considered a nonablative skin resurfacing laser whose usage is limited due to its high cost.

Aim: To assess the efficacy and safety of Nd-YAG as an ablative resurfacing laser and to compare the results with those previously published for CO2 and Erbium-YAG lasers. Read More

Semin Plast Surg 2012 Aug;26(3):131-6

Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.

Ablative skin resurfacing using the carbon dioxide laser was long considered the gold standard for treatment of photoaging, acne scars, and rhytids. However, conventional full-face carbon dioxide resurfacing is associated with significant risk of side effects and a prolonged postoperative recovery period. Fractional resurfacing has recently revolutionized laser surgery by offering close to comparable results with minimal side effects and a more rapid recovery. Read More

Semin Plast Surg 2012 Aug;26(3):109-16

Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

Numerous laser platforms exist that rejuvenate the skin by resurfacing its upper layers. In varying degrees, these lasers improve the appearance of lentigines and rhytides, eliminate photoaging, soften scarring due to acne and other causes, and treat dyspigmentation. Five major classes of dermatologic lasers are currently in common use: ablative and nonablative lasers in both fractionated and unfractionated forms as well as radiofrequency technologies. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2013 Apr;12(4):428-31

Department of Dermatology, St Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY, USA.

Background: Laser resurfacing in patients with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes (SPT) IV to VI is associated with a higher risk of pigmentary alteration. There is a paucity of studies evaluating optimum treatment parameters for fractional lasers in darkly pigmented skin types.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of medical records for patients with SPT IV to VI who were treated with a 1,550 nm erbium-doped fractional nonablative laser (Fraxel Re:Store SR 1550; Solta Medical, Hayword, CA). Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2013 Feb;12(2):175-8

About-Skin Dermatology and DermSurgery, Englewood, CO, USA.

Background: Fractional ablative and nonablative lasers are useful tools for facial rejuvenation; however, ablative lasers require a period of downtime during reepthelialization. A procedure that combines both ablative and nonablative lasers may deliver good cosmetic results and reduce downtime or other side effects of treatment.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare a combined fractional ablative and nonablative laser procedure to ablative-only procedures for facial rejuvenation. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2013 Jun 7;39(6):839-48. Epub 2013 Jan 7.

Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York 10016, USA.

Background: The effective delivery of therapeutic molecules to varied targets in the skin and elsewhere has been an area of ongoing research and development.

Objective: To review the structure of the skin with an emphasis on topical drug delivery and to present the rationale for the use of ablative and nonablative fractional resurfacing in assisted drug delivery.

Methods And Materials: Review of the currently available scientific literature on laser-assisted drug delivery. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2013 Mar 26;39(3 Pt 1):426-34. Epub 2012 Dec 26.

Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.

Background: Nonablative fractional laser (NAFL) therapy is a noninvasive procedure that has been suggested as a treatment option for hypertrophic scars.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1540-nm NAFL therapy in the treatment of hypertrophic scars.

Materials And Methods: An intraindividual randomized controlled trial (RCT) with split lesion design and single-blinded outcome evaluations. Read More