Nonablative Facial Remodeling

Abstract

BACKGROUND A variety of nonablative lasers have been used to improve skin color and toning. Evidence of new collagen has been seen. Using blinded observer analysis of electron microscopic changes, we have documented the effect of a nonablative Nd:YAG laser on collagen production and its relationship to patient age. OBSERVATIONS Ultrastructural analysis of 9 patients showed a decrease in overall collagen fiber diameter in the papillary dermis at 1 month and 3 months after 3 treatment sessions. This is consistent with the formation of new collagen. Younger patients had a greater decrease in collagen fiber diameter compared with older patients. The change in collagen fiber diameter with time as well as the relationship between that change and the patient's age were statistically significant (P