Prospective study of efficacy and safety of non-ablative 1927 nm fractional thulium fiber laser in Asian skin photoaging

Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the thulium 1927 laser in aesthetic health: an integrative review

Advances in aesthetics and dermatology bring alternatives for the treatment of pigmentary dysfunctions and photoaging. The thulium laser combines characteristics of ablative and non-ablative lasers, standing out for its high precision in epidermal penetration, promoting cell renewal, pigment removal and stimulation of collagen production, with good tolerability. This study conducted an integrative review on the safety and efficacy of the 1927 nm fractional Thulium laser in the treatment of aesthetic dysfunctions. Searches were conducted in the databases MEDLINE/PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar and Capes Journals between 2014 and 2024, to select studies that demonstrate the results of the application of this treatment. The studies carried out showed its efficacy in conditions such as melasma, scars and skin rejuvenation, with low adverse effects and high patient satisfaction. Although comparisons with other technologies, such as Er:YAG and Alexandrite lasers indicate some differences in results, the thulium laser offers advantages such as shorter recovery time and lower incidence of adverse effects. However, methodological and sampling limitations suggest the need for more robust clinical trials to consolidate their results and applications. It is concluded that the 1927 nm thulium laser represents a promising tool in aesthetic health, offering effective and safe treatment.

Efficacy and safety of microfocused ultrasound for temporary eyebrow lift and glabellar wrinkle reduction

Microfocused ultrasound (MFU) is a noninvasive treatment method that is widely used for skin tightening. In this study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of a novel MFU device for temporary eyebrow lifting and glabellar wrinkle reduction. In this prospective, single-center, single-arm, and open-label study, 38 patients were enrolled. Each patient was treated with MFU at the forehead and lateral eye areas. The treatment efficacy was measured at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16 by calculating the average eyebrow height (AEH), maximal eyebrow height (MEH), patient satisfaction score, and glabellar Line Scale (GLS) score. Moreover, adverse events were recorded. The AEH was elevated with a mean difference of 1.99 mm at week 4 and remained elevated at week 16 with a mean difference of 1.57 mm. (P < 0.0001, respectively). In addition, the mean MEH increased by 2.21 mm at week 4 and by 1.63 mm at week 16 (P < 0.0001, respectively). Glabellar wrinkles were temporarily alleviated in some patients, with 71.05% of patients showing an improvement of one point or more in their GLS score at week 4. No serious adverse events were reported. MFU is an effective and safe treatment for temporary eyebrow lifting and glabellar wrinkle reduction.

Review of Fractional Nonablative Lasers for the Treatment of Dermatologic Conditions in Darker Skin Phototypes

BACKGROUND

Fractional nonablative lasers (NAFLs) have demonstrated efficacy and safety for treating dermatologic conditions in patients with darker skin phototypes. Nonablative lasers are preferred in darker skin tones due to lower risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to identify the ideal laser options and parameters for treating common dermatologic conditions in patients with skin types IV-VI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed in May 2023. Of 1,065 articles were identified, and 40 articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies were classified based on design, dermatologic condition, and skin phototype of patients, and assigned levels of evidence according to the Modified Criteria of the Oxford Center of Evidence Based Medicine.

RESULTS

Strong level 1 evidence supports the treatment of melasma and atrophic scars using NAFL. Moderate level 2 evidence was found for using NAFL in acne vulgaris, striae, and skin rejuvenation; 45% of the studies examined skin types III-IV, 20% III-V, 7.5% II-IV, 5% II-V, 5% IV alone, and 2.5% I-IV.

CONCLUSION

Further research is needed to determine the optimal treatment modalities and parameters for skin types V and VI. Appropriate device selection and conservative treatment settings are crucial for optimizing outcomes and minimizing adverse events.