Nonablative remodeling with a 1,540 nm erbium:glass laser.

Nonablative remodeling has recently been proposed as a new antiaging treatment with no downtime. This technique could greatly benefit the increasing numbers of patients who are looking for new and efficient techniques, with a minimum of discomfort. AND METHODS. The 1.54 microm wavelength has been proposed for this application because this wavelength is well absorbed by water yet virtually not at all by melanin, allowing deep penetration into the skin. To protect the epidermis during laser irradiation, a cooling system (+5 degrees C) uses a sapphire window (purified tetrafluoroethane circulates in a pipe around the sapphire) directly applied to the skin through which the laser pulse may be fired. Several clinical trials have been published and have demonstrated that clinical improvement was correlated with data from ultrasound imaging, histology, and profilometry. A recent trial on the forehead and neck yielded additional data on elasticity measured by echorheometry. The 1.54 microm laser is safe and effective for remodeling in all of these published studies. Remodeling requires months to achieve its goal, and the kind of improvement that can be expected should be explained to the patient. Long-term follow-up showed that the improvement increased after each treatment and lasted for months after the final session.