Introduction: Fractional ablative procedures offer more robust results, with shorter recovery time and lower risk of adverse effects compared to non-fractional ablative methods. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a new fractional ablative technology employing Erbium laser(2,940nm) in facial photoaging. Methods: Female patients with moderate facial photodamage were subjected to treatment with a 2,940nm fractional Erbium laser (Palomar Inc., Burlington MA).The parameters varied from 5 to 9 mJ/µb, with pulses of a duration from 250 microseconds to 5 milliseconds.Two to six passes with a 50% overlap were carried out.The clinical evaluations occurred 3 days, 1,4,8 and 12 weeks, and 15 months after the procedure.Three dermatologists who were not involved in the study evaluated the global improvement of the photodamage before and 3 months after the procedures, by reviewing digital pictures, and classified the results according to the following scale: grade 1 = improvement less than 25%; grade 2 = improvement of 26% to 50%; grade 3 = improvement of 51% to 75% and grade 4 = improvement from 76 to 100%. Results: Female patients (n =12), aged 48 to 78 were studied.After 3 months, 23% of the patients were classified as grade 3, 55% as grade 2 and 22% as grade 1. Significant improvement (grade 2) was observed in 78% and 63% of the periorbital and perioral wrinkles, respectively.Two patients developed transitory post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Conclusion: The fractional Erbium laser was shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of moderate photoaging.

Keywords: ERBIUM, LASERS, ABLATION TECHNIQUES, REJUVENATION, 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: The use of fractional ablative lasers has optimized the results of photorejuvenation treatments by decreasing the number of complications and reducing the post-procedure recovery time.Methods: The authors evaluated a modification in the classic ablative resurfacing technique with CO2 laser, in which the operator has visual control of the fractioning, allowing healthy skin to be left alone between treated areas. Nine volunteers (aged 38-73), with moderate to severe photodamage, received visual fractioning in the perioral (three sessions) and periocular regions (two sessions). Photographic evaluations were conducted by two non-medical professionals, the operator physician, and the patients.Results: In the periorbicular region, four patients (44%) presented considerable improvement, and five (56%) moderate improvement. Of the four patients who underwent treatment of the perioral region, three (75%) reported considerable improvement and one (25%) reported moderate improvement. The photographic evaluation of the non-medical professionals was identical to patient-reported outcomes. In the physician''''''''s assessment for the perioral region, three (33%) presented considerable improvement and six (67%) had moderate improvement. For the perioral region, two presented moderate improvement and two had slight improvement. The skin fully recovered within 15-30 days, with erythema the most persistent symptom.Conclusion: The technique is a good option for the improvement of perioral and periorbicular wrinkles.

Keywords: SKIN AGING, LASER THERAPY, CO2 LASER

The keratoacanthoma is a fast growing benign skin tumor that is composed of squamous cells and has clinical and histopathological features similar to those of the squamous cell carcinoma, and may undergo spontaneous regression without any treatment. It mainly affects elderly and immunosuppressed males who have fair skin, occuring in body sites that have been chronically exposed to sunlight, such as the face, forearms and backs of hands. The differential diagnosis with squamous cell carcinoma is particularly important. The recommended treatment is its surgical excision. Other treatment modalities, such as cryotherapy, electrocoagulation and intralesional injection of chemotherapeutic agents, are also available.

Keywords: KERATOACANTHOMA; LASER THERAPY; SKIN.

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: Obesity is a major health problem worldwide due to its high morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evaluate the reduction of abdominal fat in volunteers who underwent low-frequency diode laser therapy. Methods: A total of 60 volunteers (18 to 50 years of age, with a BMI of between 18.5 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2, and who had abdominal fat), underwent a treatment performed twice a week for 31 days and were then evaluated. The abdominal circumference was evaluated in three locations, with photographic and ultrasound images taken of the studied area. Results: There was a reduction in the abdominal circumference measurements in the evaluated sites, with dermal compression and a significant reduction of hypodermis verified through ultrasound. Conclusion: The low-frequency diode laser therapy showed significant results in the reduction of localized fat and abdominal circumference measurements.

Keywords: LASER; ABDOMINAL FAT; LYPOLISIS.

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

Exogenous Ochronosis is a rare skin disease. It is usually associated with the topical use of hydroquinone, resulting in a grayish or bluish black hyperpigmentation due to dermal deposition of ocher pigment. There is no gold standard treatment and the therapeutic options are generally not effective. We report a case of a patient with exogenous achronosis after use of Hydroquinone, treated with CO₂ Laser and showing very good results.

Keywords: HYDROQUINONES; LASER THERAPY; OCHRONOSIS

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

Type 1 neurofibromatosis has multiple cutaneous lesions and limited treatment options. CO₂ laser is a useful tool for the removal of neurofibromas, the main source of cosmetic disfiguration for these patients. We present the treatment of neurofibromas with CO₂ laser in a patient over 4.5 years. The patient had lesions with variable diameter, diffusely distributed. After 16 sessions of CO₂ laser, we observed clinical improvement. Although it is a palliative treatment, the cosmetic improvement achieved substantiates the demanded effort and time in view of the psychological gains for the patient.

Keywords: Lasers, Gas; Laser Therapy; Neurofibromatosis 1

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

Folliculitis decalvans (FD) is a neutrophilic cicatricial alopecia characterized by erythematous follicular papules and pustules associated with follicular hyperkeratosis and tufted folliculitis. Here, we report the case of a 35-year-old man with recalcitrant FD successfully treated with Erbium-Yag (Er:YAG) laser, showing a rapid response and no hair loss. The effects on fibroblasts, skin microbiota, immune cascade, and angiogenesis are mechanisms through which the Er:YAG may improve FD, promoting hair growth and reducing hyperkeratosis. Nonetheless, further clinical studies are needed to investigate and better define its benefits.

Keywords: Laser Therapy; Folliculitis; Solid-State Lasers.