Contemporary Laser and Light-Based Rejuvenation Techniques

Abstract

Laser and light skin rejuvenation have changed dramatically in the last 10 years. CO₂ and erbium:YAG remain the main wavelengths, but fractional, nonablative, and combination devices have been added. For those patients with lighter skin types and extensive photodamage and rhytids, full-field ablative laser resurfacing remains the procedure of choice. For those seeking less downtime and risks, fractional devices offer an excellent and growing alternative, although multiple treatments may be required for optimal results. A new generation of hybrid and nonablative devices offers many advantages, yet many of these results may be duplicated with well-proven intense pulsed light.

Keywords: Ablative; CO(2) laser; Erbium:YAG laser; Fractional laser resurfacing; Hybrid fractional; Laser resurfacing; Photoaging; Rhytids.