Comparative study of 1,340nm non-ablative fractional laser for facial rejuvenation: single pass at high energy versus three passes at medium energy

Introduction: Currently there is a growing demand for non-invasive therapies aimed at treating facial aging. Non-ablative fractional lasers lead to excellent outcomes, with reduced side effects. Objective: To evaluate the facial rejuvenation achieved by 1,340nm non-ablative fractional laser using a single pass at high energy versus three passes at medium energy, through a prospective comparative study. Methods: Twenty patients with facial aging were treated with 2 or 3 laser sessions with 4-week intervals. The right hemiface was treated with three passes of 1,340nm non-ablative fractional laser at a fluence of 90 mJ, pulse duration of 5ms and 100 mtz/ cm2. The left hemiface was treated with a single pass of the same laser at a fluence of 120 mJ, pulse duration of 5ms and 100 mtz/cm2. The evaluated variables were spots, wrinkles, porphyrins and overall appearance. Results: The patients (n = 20) were evaluated during 6 to 24 months. The photographic evaluations demonstrated a significant improvement of the spots on the right hand side and wrinkles on the right and left hand sides. Eighteen of the 20 patients reported satisfaction with the treatment. Conclusion: 1,340nm non-ablative fractional laser was proven as a modern, safe and effective alternative for facial rejuvenation. For spots, the triple passes at medium energy protocol led to a superior response. However, regarding wrinkles there was no difference between the single pass at high energy and triple pass at medium energy protocols.

Keywords: LASER; REJUVENATION; FACIAL AGING; FACE