Full-face and neck resurfacing with a novel ablative fractional 2910 nm erbium-doped fluoride glass fiber laser for advanced photoaging

Abstract

Objectives: Ablative fractional lasers have long been considered the gold standard for facial resurfacing for advanced photoaging. These lasers offer an improved safety profile compared to traditional ablative lasers but typically require more treatment sessions given their fractional approach. In this study, we evaluate a new novel 2910 nm erbium-doped fluoride glass fiber laser (2910 nm fiber laser) (UltraClear; Acclaro Medical) for full-face and neck resurfacing for the treatment of advanced photoaging.

Methods: Twenty-two healthy subjects aged 44-80 years presenting for advanced facial photoaging and rhytides were enrolled in the study. All subjects received three full-face and neck, multipass treatments utilizing the 2910 nm fiber laser spaced 6-8 weeks apart. Subjects were asked to rate the average level of pain during the treatment. At 90 days following subjects' third treatment subjects evaluated their improvement using a Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and rated their satisfaction with the treatment. Evaluation of pretreatment and posttreatment photos was completed by two blinded physician reviewers. Reviewers were asked to identify the pretreatment and posttreatment photographs and to rate the degree of improvement utilizing a GAIS.

Results: Fifteen participants completed the study; six were exited from the study (withdrew or lost to follow-up). The average subject GAIS score for overall appearance was 3.8. The average subject satisfaction level at follow-up was 4.8. The average subject pain score was 4.9. One blinded physician reviewer correctly identified 100% of subjects' posttreatment photographs, while the second blinded reviewer correctly identified 93%. Blinded evaluation of digital photographs revealed an average GAIS score of 3.2. Posttreatment skin responses included pin-point hemorrhage, erythema, edema, and soft tissue crusting lasting 5-7 days. There were no instances of infection, scarring or hypopigmentation. There were two instances of temporary hyperpigmentation.

Conclusions: Treatment with the novel 2910 nm fiber laser is safe and effective in treating advanced photoaging and rhytides. Three treatments produced moderate to marked improvement with high patient satisfaction and treatment was associated with less discomfort and downtime compared to conventional fractional ablative lasers.

Keywords: 2910 nm; ablative fractional laser; facial resurfacing; fiber laser; laser resurfacing; photoaging; rhytides.