For several years, the treatment of acne vulgaris has been based on the use of oral or topical medication, isolated or in association with other medications. Such options still represent excellent therapeutic alternatives; however, there are cases in which they cannot be used either because of their side effects or the lack of response to treatment due to the growing bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Based on the observation that light has been successfully used to treat many pathologies – including acne – a number of therapeutic devices have been developed that demonstrate good results.The objective of this article is to present a review of the pathology of acne and of the photobiological principles used in its treatment, considering some of the main current phototherapeutic modalities.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS, PHOTOTHERAPY, LASER THERAPY

Introduction:The treatment of cutaneous aging with fractional non-ablative lasers has been intensely studied in the last few years, yet the number of publications describing specific equipments is limited.
Objective: To describe patient and dermatologist satisfaction after treatment with the Lux 1540®laser.
Methods: Retrospective study of patients (n=16) who have undergone facial rejuvenation therapy with Lux 1540® laser. Photographic assessments were performed by a dermatologist not involved in the treatments. Patient satisfaction was analyzed before treatment and after three sessions. The study variables were spots, sagging, wrinkles, enlarged pores, telangiectasias, and general satisfaction.
Results: In the dermatologist''''''''s evaluation, good or excellent improvement was found in the majority of the patients, for all studied variables. Regarding the improvement in the patients'''''''' general appearance, 82% were rated good or excellent. Regarding patients'''''''' opinions, 63% expressed good to excellent general satisfaction.
Conclusions: Treating cutaneous aging with Lux 1540® laser yields satisfactory results and maybe a good option for patients that do not want or cannot undergo more aggressive treatments.

Keywords: LASERS, SKIN AGING, LASER THERAPY

Introduction: Acne scars are common, and their treatment is challenging. Several techniques have been used to remove, reposition, and flatten acne scars to improve the appearance of the skin’s surface. More recently, fractional CO₂ laser has been used to correct such scars due its good results and shorter recovery time.
Objective: To evaluate and compare fractional CO₂ laser vs. dermabrasion-based treatment of acne scars.
Methods: Nine patients were assessed – six received fractional CO₂ laser and three were treated with dermabrasion. Subjective and objective parameters were evaluated for both treatment modalities.
Results: Both patient groups showed objective and subjective improvement.
Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that fractional CO₂ laser and dermabrasion-based treatments have similar efficacy in moderate to severe acne scars.

Keywords: CICATRIX; ACNE VULGARIS; LASER THERAPY.

Tattooing has existed in humankind's culture since the onset of civilization. Tattoo removal attempts are also very ancient. The following current methods are reported for the removal of tattoos: dermabrasion, surgical excision, and laser procedures. The most commonly used lasers for tattoo removal are: QS-Nd:YAG (1,064 and 532nm), QS-Ruby (694nm) and QS-Alexandrite (755nm). The present review is aimed at studying the action mechanism of lasers for tattoo removal and the correct indication for each type of pigment, in addition to describing complications and the best manner of preventing them.

Keywords: LASERS; LASER THERAPY; TATTOOING.

Introduction: Acne is one of the most prevalent skin conditions, representing a constant challenge to dermatologists, especially in severe cases as nodulocystic acne, which can be resistant to medicament based treatment. Traditional therapy includes topical and oral drugs that are not always effective and often lead to bacterial resistance and side effects. The use of lasers in the treatment of inflammatory acne has increased lately due to the ease, clinical efficacy, and minimal side effects of this type of therapy. Objective: To evaluate the effects of fractional laser in patients with nodulocystic acne resistant to treatment with isotretinoin. Methods: Application of laser therapy sessions with Nd:YAP in 9 patients. Assessment of the degree of patient satisfaction and comparison of photographs taken before and after treatment by dermatologists not linked to the study. Results: Average reduction of 65% in inflammatory lesions, satisfaction of all patients who underwent treatment, and approval in the assessment carried out by dermatologists. Conclusions: The fractional Nd:YAP laser was proven effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne and may represent a new therapeutic option for this pathology, especially for patients who do not respond to conventional treatment.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS; LASERS; LASER THERAPY.

Introduction: With several treatment options available - including laser - atrophic acne scars are nonetheless difficult to treat. The use of fractional technology results in dermal-epidermal ablation columns, interspersed with intact skin islands, allowing selective thermal damage, effective treatment and faster recovery. The objective of the present study is to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of fractional laser use in the treatment of atrophic acne scars among the Brazilian population. Methods: An open, prospective, interventional study was carried out with patients with acne scars, without restriction regarding the gender and skin phototype. Exclusion criteria were: pregnancy, breast-feeding, presence of infections or blood dyscrasias and the use of anticoagulants. The evaluation was performed by comparing texture, appearance, and relief as observed in digital photographs. Results: Of the 30 selected patients, 24 were included in the study. An improvement was noted in the parameters evaluated in the cases that underwent fractional laser (CO2, Erbium-Glass or both). Individuals who underwent multiple treatments showed better results. All those treated with 4 sessions had improvements greater than 50%. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was detected in 7 of the 24 treated patients. Conclusion: The present study showed that, when using appropriate parameters and adequate care, fractional laser-assisted resurfacing is an effective and safe method for treating atrophic acne scars in the Brazilian population.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS; CICATRIX; LASERS; CHEMEXFOLIATION

Introduction: Hidradenitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that has a negative impact on the patient's quality of life but which has few effective therapeutic options. Currently, the use of laser technology has been standing out as a treatment. Objective: To evaluate the use of 1,340nm ND:YAP laser (Neodimiun:Ytrium Aluminum Perovskite) to treat hidradenitis. Methods: Performing 4 1,340nm ND:YAP laser sessions in 3 patients bearing hidradenitis. Results: All patients had a clinically and histologically evidenced reduction of inflammatory lesions. Conclusions: In the present study, the 1,340nm ND:YAP laser was effective in the treatment of hidradenitis, and can potentially become a new therapeutic option.

Keywords: HIDRADENITIS; LASERS; LASER THERAPY

The treatment of acne scars — a common dermatological complaint and cause of anxiety for patients — is challenging, usually consisting of multiple serial methods. The authors of the present article describe a case where hyaluronic acid cutaneous filling and fractional CO2 laser were indicated, with an unusual complication occurring due to the short time interval between the applications of the techniques. The article discuses the need for a close and frank physician / patient relationship aimed at containing patient anxiety as well as studies determining the optimal time interval between therapeutic approaches in the treatment of acne scars.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS; LASER THERAPY; PHYSICIAN-PATIENT RELATIONS; HYALURONIC ACID; FOLLOW-UP STUDIES

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic dermatosis, usually anogenital and mainly affecting pos-menopausal women. The use of topical corticosteroids is the mainstay of medical treatment. Other treatments are topical testosterone, calcineurin inhibitors, photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy, antibiotic therapy and laser therapy. In this article, five patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus which had no response to treatment with topical clobetasol, had good results when treated with fractional Erbium:YAG laser 2940.

Keywords: LASER THERAPY; VULVAR LICHEN SCLEROSUS; 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS

INTRODUCTION: Acne scars treatment is challenging since, in the most of the cases, there are different types of scars in the same patient.
OBJECTIVE: Associate three distinct acne scar treatment techniques in the same session in order to optimize results.
METHODS: Retrospective observational study evaluating 25 patients with acne scars treated with the following sequence of associated techniques: high frequency electrosurgery, CO₂ laser and Nd:YAP laser.
RESULTS: High patient satisfaction index and evident improvement in photographs in most of cases.
CONCLUSIONS: The combination of techniques in one session was safe and effective in the treatment of acne scars, a condition of great psychological impact to affected individuals.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris; Cicatrix; Laser therapy

This study demonstrated the clinical and histologic result of the treatment of one disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis patient with non-ablative fractional laser. The patient was treated with seven sessions of 1340-nm Nd:YAP laser, with 4 or 5 week-intervals. Biopsies and photographs were performed before and after treatment, which was well tolerated and lead to improvement in the erythema and texture of the lesions. There was a 1-year follow-up. Histopathologic examination after treatment revealed little changes in the cornoid lamella.

Keywords: Biopsy; Laser Therapy; Lasers; Porokeratosis

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of hypochromic scars is challenging, and the techniques used so far show unsatisfactory results. Bimatoprost, an analog of prostaglandin F2-alpha, has been used as a topical pigment agent, and its application as drug delivery can optimize its delivery to the dermis and potentiate pigmentation.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Ablative Fractional Laser (AFL) treatment associated with bimatoprost 0.03% drug delivery in hypopigmented scars.
METHODS: The patients were submitted to the AFL, followed by the application of bimatoprost 0.03% in 4 sessions with biweekly intervals. Clinical evaluations and standardized photographs were performed. Patients’ satisfaction was assessed using a 5-question questionnaire.
RESULTS: All patients had clinical improvement in the treated areas. The degree of patient satisfaction agreed with the clinical evaluation and photographic records.
CONCLUSION: The application of AFL associated with bimatoprost 0.03% drug delivery can be a potentially effective and safe treatment for hypochromic scars.

Keywords: Lasers; Hypopigmentation; Laser Therapy

Q-switched lasers are widely used for tattoo removal. A 48-year-old-woman with a black tattoo on the left thigh was submitted to ten sessions of Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064nm laser associated with fractional CO2 laser, performed every two months. Six months after treatment end, we observed almost complete tattoo removal, besides improvement in skin texture. Q-switched lasers promote tattoo removal by a photoacoustic phenomenon. The association with fractional ablative lasers is an option for intensely pigmented tattoos or for tattoos with several colors, which are hard to remove.

Keywords: Laser Therapy; Lasers; Tattooing

Case study of exceptional response to treatment of recurrent xanthelasma palpebrarum with an ablative laser. The patient underwent a single session of laser Erbium: Yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Fotona^®) 2940 nm, and we performed photographic records with Vectra^® H2 2019 before and after the procedure. Satisfactory clinical results were reported, with good pain tolerability and early recovery compared to surgical procedures and, consequently, less time away from work activities.

Keywords: Lasers; Laser therapy; Laser coagulation; Xanthelasma palpebraum

Atrophic acne scars result from an abnormal wound-healing response that can be treated with microneedling (MN). Insulin may play a role in wound healing. The effectiveness and safety of combining MN with topical insulin as an alternative therapy for atrophic acne scar revision have not yet been widely reported. We report the case of a 33-year-old woman with an atrophic acne scar on the middle third of her face. The patient was treated with MN and topical insulin for four sessions at two-week intervals. MN plus insulin can be considered an alternative for acne scar revision.

Keywords: Acne Vulgar; Insulina; Cicatriz; Hiperpigmentação