Intense pulsed light and Nd:YAG laser non-ablative treatment of facial rhytids

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intense pulsed light source (IPL) and the Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of facial rhytids. Both systems can be used in a non-ablative manner and cause a dermal wound. This is thought to stimulate the production of new collagen without epidermal disruption. Non-ablative techniques eliminate the downtime that must be endured by patients treated with ablative methods such as the carbon dioxide and erbium lasers. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen subjects with perioral rhytids and Fitzpatrick skin types II and III received three-to-five treatments with the IPL using 590 and 755 nm cut-off filters, and the 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser. The subjects were evaluated at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after the final treatment for improvement in rhytids and presence of any side effects. RESULTS: At 6 months, the patient satisfaction score (1-10) was comparable in all three groups. Evaluator assessment of improved skin quality was also similar in all three treatment groups. Side effects such as blistering and erythema were most commonly seen in the subjects treated with the IPL. The least discomfort was seen with the Nd:YAG laser. CONCLUSIONS: Although both non-ablative treatment systems improved facial rhytids presumably by causing a non-specific dermal wound, the Nd:YAG laser was better tolerated and produced fewer side effects.