Introduction of Lasers for Skin Rejuvenation

Skin rejuvenation encompasses the use of varied technologies to smooth, tighten, even, or otherwise restore epidermal and dermal appearance. Given the prevalence of epidermal and dermal abnormalities in the population, demand for effective and safe skin rejuvenation procedures is high. Fortunately, significant advances in the arena of laser technology have provided effective and diverse options for skin rejuvenation.

Ablative and nonablative lasers are usually used for skin rejuvenation. Ablative lasers are defined by the capacity to produce sufficient thermal damage to create areas of complete tissue ablation or destruction. These lasers have targeted water and include the CO2 (10600nm) and Er:Yag (2940nm) lasers. Nonablative lasers produce limited thermal damage without causing ablation or vaporization of tissue. The popular wavelength includes 1927nm thulium and 1550nm Erbium fiber laser. Some 1440nm/1470nm infrared lasers are also used.

With the concept of fractionated photothermolysis induced, fractional infrared laser irradiation is applied to the skin rejuvenation more and more for the significant reduction of risks and side effects.

How Does a Fractional Non-ablative Laser Work?

Nonablative fractional lasers have been induced for skin rejuvenation since the early 21st century. Mid-infrared lasers with different wavelengths are absorbed by water in the skin, as the wavelength increases, the penetration depth decreases. Additionally, the wavelength is associated with significant scattering, resulting in the deposition of energy outside the laser beam and subsequent effective dermal heating.

The fractional technology generates microscopic columns of heated tissue with water acting as the primary energy-absorbing molecule. Epidermal integrity generally remains intact and untreated skin found between the laser-irradiated columns facilitates rapid healing, thus allowing for minimal social downtime. The nonablative lasers are applied in fractionated format, and clinically significant textural improvements in the skin are achieved with minimal risk.