Fractional Photothermolysis for the Treatment of Facial Wrinkle in Asians
Pawinee Rerknimitr MD*, Marisa Pongprutthipan MD**, Wannasri Sindhuphak MD**
Affiliation : * Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Fractional photothermolysis is a novel aesthetic-laser-surgical modality for the treatment of facial wrinkle in
Caucasians apart from other conventional treatments. However, there are limited reports regarding the effectiveness and
side effects of this treatment in Asians’ skin.
Objective : To evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of 1,550 nm Erbium fiber Laser as a treatment for facial wrinkle in
Asians’ skin (Fitzpatrick’s skin type III-V).
Material and Method: Twenty patients with mild to moderate facial wrinkle were included in the study. Half of the forehead
in each patient was randomized to receive the treatment and the other half served as control. The treatment was done with
FINE SCAN 1550TM (TNC SPECTRONICS, Bangkok, Thailand), 1,550 nm Erbium fiber laser once a week for 8 successive
treatments. Photographs had been taken by VISIA at 0, 4 weeks and 12 weeks after the treatment and were evaluated by three
experienced dermatologists using a quartile grading scale. Patient satisfaction score and side effects during each treatment
were also recorded.
Results : At 4 weeks after the treatment, mean wrinkle, dyspigmentation, irregularities and the overall improvement scores
were 0.35, 0.10, 0.20 and 0.50 respectively. At 12 weeks post treatment, the score decreased to 0.20, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.20. All
of the improvement scores were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the treatment group than the control group except for the
dyspigmentation improvement score. Patients’ satisfaction score was graded as 2 (good) in 35% (7/20) of the patients. Side
effects included transient erythema and edema which were mild and self-limited. Mean pain score using visual analog scale
was 1.32. No serious side effect was observed.
Conclusion : Fractional photothermolysis with1,550 nm Erbium fiber Laser is one of the effective treatments for facial
wrinkle. However, the improvement score decreased with time. Side effects are few and tolerable, even in patients with
fitzpatrick’s skin type III-V.
Keywords : Wrinkle, Fractional photothermolysis, Fine Scan
