Novel uses for lasers, energy-based devices

Novel uses for tried-and-true laser and energy-based technologies are improving the treatment of darker skin types and outcomes for a variety of skin conditions, according to a presentation by New York City-based dermatologist Roy G. Geronemus, M.D., and colleagues at yesterday’s American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery 2015 annual conference in Kissimmee, Fla.

Dr. Geronemus, director of the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, says these are among the new uses of popular technologies for dermatology patients: 

The Excel V laser (Cutera) at 1064 nm can be used for deep blue reticular veins around the eyes and on the face, as well as for nodules within mature, thick port wine stains.

“This high-peak power-per-pulse laser provides unique outcomes not seen before in this field,” he says.

The pulsed dye laser (V-beam, Candela) can dramatically eliminate the troublesome postoperative problem of bruising, according to the dermatologist. For best results, dermatologists should perform with two treatments with the V beam in the same day several hours apart, to address postsurgical or injectable bruising.

And the PicoSure laser (Cynosure) at 755 nm is a major advance in the treatment of scarring and rejuvenation in darker skin types. Results are comparable to fractional resurfacing in terms of outcome, but with less downtime, he says.

“It’s a noninvasive way for improving acne scars for all skin types,” Dr. Geronemus says. “With potentially minimal downtime, the only real side effect we saw was mild redness of the skin. So, no swelling, no wounding, no crusting, no scabbing. Patients can put on makeup right away, if they like.”

Dr. Geronemus and colleagues published a study on use of a picosecond pulse duration laser with specialized optic for treatment of facial acne scarring in March 2015, in JAMA Dermatology. They investigated the safety and efficacy of a 755-nm alexandrite picosecond pulse duration laser with diffractive lens array in the treatment of facial acne scarring. The study of 15 women and five men showed the technology improved skin appearance and texture at 3 months. Histologic findings suggested the treatment does more than remodel collagen to improve scars.