Effect of interstitial 1444 nm pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser on the nasolabial folds and cheek laxity

Abstract

Wrinkle formation usually accompanies skin aging. In particular, accentuated nasolabial folds and loss of elasticity are early signs of skin aging. Recently, the use of 1444 nm pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers has increased in popularity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel 1444 nm pulsed Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of nasolabial folds and cheek laxity by interstitial laser therapy. Ten Korean patients with moderate to severe nasolabial folds were enrolled in this study. The patients each received a single treatment session with a 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser (AccuSculpt®, Lutronics, Goyang, Korea). Clinical improvement was evaluated by two blinded physicians by observing the photographs using a five-point scale. Efficacy was also assessed using a Cutometer (Cutometer CT575®, Courage-Khazaka, Köln, Germany) and a Visiometer (Visioscan VC98®, Courage-Khazaka, Köln, Germany). Skin biopsies were performed on five volunteers before treatment and three months after treatment. The 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser effectively promoted clinical improvement of nasolabial folds and cheek laxity. Significant differences in treatment outcomes were observed with the Cutometer and Visiometer (p<0.05). Epidermal proliferation was stimulated as demonstrated by increases in epidermal thickness and Ki-67 expression (p<0.05). Quantitative image analyses of pre- and post-treatment biopsies revealed that collagen fibers were increased compared with baseline (p>0.05). TGF-β and HSP70 mRNA levels quantified by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction were significantly increased compared with baseline (p<0.05). In conclusion, the 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser is an effective treatment modality with minimal complications for the treatment of nasolabial folds and cheek laxity. However, further research with a larger group of patients is needed to confirm these findings.