Non-ablative subsurface remodeling: clinical and histologic evaluation of a 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser.

BACKGROUND Laser resurfacing in the treatment of facial rhytids has traditionally involved ablative methods with their associated complications and limitations. Rhytid improval requires dermal collagen remodeling. Dermal remodeling can occur without epidermal ablation. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and histologic changes occurring after treatment with a 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser. METHODS Ten subjects with class I-III rhytids and Fitzpatrick skin types I-II were treated four times with a 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser. Subjects were evaluated for degree of clinical improvement and histologic evidence of new collagen formation six months after their final treatment. RESULTS Eight subjects showed subjective improvement in the quality of their skin. All ten subjects showed histologic evidence of new upper papillary dermal collagen formation. CONCLUSION 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser irradiation can lead to new collagen formation and associated clinical improvement. Such improvement can occur without epidermal ablation.