Laser Skin Rejuvenation With Fractional 1064 Q-switched Nd:YAG In 252 Patients: An Indian Experience

Objective: The objective of our study was to present the results and safety profile of fractional 1064 Q-switched Nd: YAG laser treatment in skin rejuvenation in Indian patients with Fitzpatrick skin type III-VI.

Materials And Methods: We studied our clinical data of 252 patients who underwent treatment for facial skin rejuvenation with the Q switched Nd:YAG laser 1064 wavelength, using the fractional mode of 5mm spot size with fluences from 1.2 J ~ 2 J/cm and the energy ranging from 300-500 mJ, a repetition rate of 7Hz and pulse duration of 8 ns for 6 sessions at two weekly intervals. We evaluated results with the aid of clinical photography taken before start of treatment, on 3rd and 5th sessions along with patient satisfaction and dermatologist assessment scores. Any adverse events were also recorded.

Results: At the end of 6 sessions, both patients and dermatologists reported visible improvement in skin texture and tone. The laser sessions resulted in an immediate improvement in skin texture and tone in the first session itself that increased over 3 sessions and then stabilized. Transient erythema was reported in a few cases. No hypo- or hyperpigmentation were noted.

Conclusions: The 1064 QSNYL is popularly used for skin rejuvenation especially in the Asian countries. But there is lack of substantial clinical data to validate the clinical results. We present the first study that shows the fractional 1064 Qswitched ND:YAG laser is a safe and effective option for skin rejuvenation in skin types III-VI.