A systematic histologic analysis of nonablative laser therapy in a porcine model using the pulsed dye laser

Abstract

Background: To our knowledge, no systematic analysis of nonablative laser therapy has been performed. Objective: To alter the parameters (fluence, spot size, pulse duration, and use of cooling spray) for the pulsed dye laser to determine the precise settings that would yield the most favorable dermal remodeling in a porcine model. Methods: Research was conducted in an animal laboratory at Albany Medical College. An anesthetized Yucatan miniature pig was subjected to a pulsed dye laser at various parameters. After 10 weeks, the laser-treated areas were harvested and processed for blinded, randomized, histologic evaluation. Negative (nontreated skin) and positive (ablative carbon dioxide laser-treated skin) controls were compared with the nonablative pulsed dye laser-treated areas. Main Outcome Measures: Quantitative assessment of collagen band width and cells per high-power field and qualitative assessment of epidermal and dermal changes. Results: A significant difference (P