Non-ablative Lasers for Photorejuvenation

Abstract

Photoaging of the skin principally depends upon the amount of melanin in the skin and the degree of exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Solar damage to DNA leads to a reduction in the skin's collagen content and ultimately to a deficit in the structural integrity of the skin. This manifests as clinically visible skin atrophy, lines and wrinkles, and dyschromias such as telangiectasias and pigmented lesions. Photorejuvenation entails an improvement in the tone, texture, and pigmentation of the skin. Various laser technologies are available that rejuvenate skin by resurfacing the uppermost layers and allow for the regeneration of new skin cells. The myriad of laser systems includes ablative and non-ablative lasers in both fractionated and nonfractionated or conventional forms. In varying degrees, all of these lasers treat pigmented lesions, soften wrinkles, and reduce the appearance of scars. Although the ablative technologies yield more effective results in terms of the overall reduction of photoaging, the non-ablative lasers allow for swift healing and are rarely associated with any complications or downtime. Furthermore, non-ablative lasers offer a wider spectrum of clinical indications, since they can be used to treat vascular lesions such as telangiectasia, generalized erythema, and rosacea that are commonly associated with aging skin.