A new study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine compared the efficacy and safety of 1064-nm and dual-wavelength (532/1064 nm) picosecond Nd:YAG lasers with a holographic optic, in the treatment of facial photoaging.

This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, split-faced study wherein, each half of all participants’ faceswere randomly treated with a 1064-nm or 532/1064-nm picosecond laser. All participants underwent five treatment sessions and follow-up visits, 1 and 3 months after the final treatment. 

The results showed that Global photoaging scores decreased significantly after treatment with either laser. While the global photoaging scores, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores and satisfaction scores did not differ significantly between 1064-nm and 532/1064-nm picosecond laser treatments. Additionally, histological changes were similar between the two groups.intraepidermal vacuoles and dermal hemorrhaging were observed immediately, and 24 hours after treatment. Post- five sittings, neocollagenesis was noted in the upper dermis of both groups, and elastic fibers were more elongated and orderly.

Hence, it was concluded that treatments with 1064-nm and 532/1064-nm picosecond Nd:YAG lasers were comparably effective at improving photodamaged facial skin.

Source: Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2021 Mar 30. doi: 10.1002/lsm.23404.