Laser Skin Resurfacing with a Novel Portable Erbium:YAG Laser

Khalil Khatri, MD, Dermatology, Cambridge, MA | James Gordon, MD, Ophthalmology, White Plains, NYJournal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, April 2006Background and objective: The erbium:YAG laser is a popular modality for laser skin resurfacing (LSR). This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new portable Er:YAG laser in the treatment of photo-damaged skin. Methods: Nine patients with skin types I–IV were treated for rhytides, large pores, pigmented lesions, lentigines and photodamage. Small facial areas such as the periorbital area, nose, cheeks, and upper lip were treated with one to six passes at 5–6 J/cm2 with a new portable Er:YAG laser. Topical and local anesthesia was used. Results: All treated areas showed improvement and, depending upon the number of passes, re-epithelialization was complete within 2–7 days. The intense erythema resolved within 7 days and there was blending of treated and untreated areas within 2 weeks. Conclusion: The technique of applying a tailored number of 5–6 J/cm2, 300 ms pulses of a new portable Er:YAG laser to small areas appears to be safe and effective. There was minimal discomfort and a high level of patient satisfaction after a relatively short recovery time.