Topical Carboxytherapy and Human Platelet Extract Used as Peri-Procedural Adjuvant Following Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing

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A poster presentation from SCALE 2023 evaluated the use of topical carboxytherapy and topical human platelet extract as a peri-procedural adjuvant following non-ablative laser resurfacing to increase skin recovery.¹ According to Imhof et al, “non-ablative fractional lasers target water as a chromophore to produce microscopic treatment zones of thermal injury to the skin. The duration of post-treatment recovery time remains a challenge.”

The study investigators noted that fractionated 1927 nm thulium fiber lasers are associated with significantly more downtime in a 14-day recovery period compared to fractionated frequency-doubled 1064/532 nm picosecond Nd:YAG lasers. New regenerative technologies, such as platelet-rich plasma, have demonstrated efficacy as an adjuvant after ablative fractional photothermolysis. Topical over-the-counter therapies have also been used as a peri-procedural adjuvant to decrease recovery time. Hydrolyzed collagen and squalene have been used as topical carboxytherapy (CO2Lift by Lumisque, Weston, FL). Imhof et al reported a case of topical carboxytherapy (pre-treatment application) and topical human platelet extract (Rion Aesthetics, LLC, Rochester, MN; post-treatment application) following non-ablative fractional laser to encourage skin recovery.

The retrospective case report evaluated a male patient in his late 60s with Fitzpatrick skin phototype II who was treated with a fractionated 1927 nm thulium fiber laser. Before the laser treatment, topical carboxytherapy was applied over topical lidocaine 23%-tetracaine 7% anesthesia for 60 minutes. The thulium 1927 nm laser was then used with 15 mJ fluence and treatment level 5 (4 passes total) followed by 20 mJ fluence and treatment level 3 (4 passes total) for facial photorejuventation.

After treatment, the patient applied a topical human platelet extract for post-laser skin care and was also encouraged to use zinc oxide sunscreen when exposed to the sun.

The patient did not report any symptoms of facial edema, irritation, burning, stinging, itching, or dry skin for one week. The patient’s overall total recovery time was 5 days, compared to the average of 7 to 10 days.

In their discussion, the study investigators stated that the case report introduced a pilot use of topical carboxytherapy and topical human platelet extract as a peri-procedural adjuvant following non-ablative laser resurfacing. Overall, the over-the-counter serum was wall-tolerated without any reported adverse events.

“The recovery time for patients receiving general skin resurfacing can be reduced by delivering less energy in fewer passes with 1927 nm laser, although more treatments may be required over a longer timeframe. Future studies can evaluate higher energy settings and/or combination 1550 erbium-doped 1927 nm thulium dual laser in a larger cohort of patients across Fitzpatrick skin phototypes,” concluded Imhof et al.

Reference

Imhof R, Nguyen A, Sartori-Valinotti J, et al. Improved skin recovery with topical carboxytherapy and topical human platelet extract on Fitzpatrick phototype II patient following non-ablative fractional resurfacing 1927 nm thulium laser for facial photorejuvenation. Poster presented at the 18th Annual Music City Symposium for Cosmetic Advances & Laser Education; May 17-21, 2023; Nashville, TN.