Introduction and Objective

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the use of partially ablative laser technology in facial rejuvenation. Among the lasers developed for this purpose, the Erbium: YAG laser coupled to a modulated space ablation system (RecoSMA®, Linline, Minsk, Belarus) deserves attention because it changes the traditional thermal deposit of the laser due to a push mechanic phenomenon.

Our aim was to determine the effectiveness and safety of a new method of facial rejuvenation using an Er:YAG laser together with a system of spatially modulated ablation.

Methods

Twenty six women, phototypes II to V, with signs of moderate to severe facial aging were studied in relation to their chronological age. All patients received 2 treatments 3 weeks apart. At each session the entire face was treated. Photographs and biopsies were taken before the 1st treatment and 3 and 6 months after the 2nd treatment. Clinical effectiveness, tolerance, adverse effects, complications, clinical and histological changes were evaluated.

Results

Fine lines, wrinkles, and overall characteristics of skin ageing improved significantly (p < 0.0001). The mean of improvement in fine lines and wrinkles in both groups (A+B) was by 66.4 ± 9.4 (r= 45-85). Several signs of facial ageing improved an average by 76.2% ± 6.2 (r = 60 - 85%) at 3 months, and by 59.4% ± 9.6 (r= 40 - 75%) at 6 months.The patients were shown the before and after photographs and 85% were satisfied or very satisfied.

It was observed that the results obtained decrease slightly in the evaluation at 6 months (62% satisfied patients) making additional treatment sessions necessary.

Conclusions

Compared to other lasers used for facial rejuvenation, results of this study showed to have additional benefits and an excellent effectiveness-safety ratio. We must take into account the decrease of positive results at 6 months, so additional sessions are required although patients must be warned previously.

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