Side effects and complications of fractional 1550-nm erbium fiber laser treatment among Asians.

BACKGROUND

Fractional erbium fiber laser is an effective treatment for facial wrinkles, acne scars, and dyspigmentation available worldwide. However, there are minimal data of adverse events and complications in Asians.

OBJECTIVE

To determine safety and adverse events associated with fractional erbium laser treatment in Asian patients.

METHODS

Retrospective data of 181 fractional 1550-nm Ytterbium/Erbium fiber laser (Finescan(™) ; TNC Medditron Co., Ltd., Thailand) from 119 patients with skin phototype III-V at Ramathibodi Laser Center were reviewed. Patient demographics including gender, age, and dermatologic indications for treatment were assessed. Safety and adverse effects related to the treatment were identified.

RESULTS

Only six treatments (3.3%) developed complications. The most common adverse event was postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (2.2%), while acneiform eruption and desquamation were reported 0.55%, equally. Although none of the patients received herpes prophylaxis, there were no herpes outbreaks.

CONCLUSION

Fractional erbium laser treatment in Asian skin is quite safe, and the side effects in this study were relatively low. Herpes prophylaxis may not be required.