Brazilian experience with Fractional Photothermolysis in the treatment of photoaged skin ,acne scars and Melasma

Background:
The ablative devices CO2 laser and Erbium YAG laser have been the gold standard in the treatment of facial wrinkles, photodamage skin and acne scars. However long time recovery, persistent erythema and colateral effects are restrictive to most patients. The non ablative laser procedures are practical and safe, but have been modest in reversal of photodamage skin and acne scars.
The new laser tecnology as Fractional Photothermolysis (FP), is a novel 1550nm fiber based laser system, that creates localized microscopic treatment s of thermolysis (MTZ). Studies indicate that the Fractional Photothermolysis can safely and quickly rejuvenate photoaged skin and acne scars.It can also safely treat melasma that was resistant to order treatments ( bleaching and tretinoin creams, chemical peels ).
This 2 years brazilian study using FP is trying to evaluate the efficacy, reliability and results consistency of Fractional Photothermolysis.

Material and Methods:
We report the use of FP to treat 60 patients, 80% female, 20% male, most of them treat photoaged skin (facial wrinkles, dyscromia and skin laxity), acne scars and melasma.
Patients received four treatments administered at 1 to 4 weeks interval. Procedures were done with an energy setting of 6 – 18 mJ and density of 125 – 250 MTZ / cm² per pass . We used total deusities of 2000-3000 Mtz s/cm2.
Topical anaesthetic was administered through the use of 4% lidocaine cream 1 hour prior the procedure and a blue dye was applied for optic guide.
Topical anaesthetic was administered through the use of 4% lidocaine cream 1 hour prioer the procedure and a blue dye was applied for optic guide.
Response was assessed with patient questionnaire and digital photography.

Results:
The digital photografy analysis and patient questionnaire demonstrated, 50% of patients with excelent results, 35% of patients with good results and 15% of patients with regular results.

Conclusion:
The digital photografy analysis and patient questionnaire demonstrated, 50% of patients with excelent results, 35% of patients with good results and 15% of patients with regular results.