Clinical evaluation of the SmartSkin fractional laser for the treatment of photodamage and acne scars.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Fractional photothermolysis with a CO2 laser shows promise in the treatment of photodamaged skin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a fractional CO2 laser device (SmartSkin, Cynosure, Westford, MA) for the treatment of facial photodamage.

METHODS

Twelve subjects seeking treatment of facial hyperpigmentation, skin laxity, wrinkles and fine lines, enlarged pores and acne scars enrolled in the study. Each subject was treated twice with the SmartSkin device at three- to five-week intervals. Results were evaluated at one week, one month and three months after the final treatment.

RESULTS

All 12 subjects completed the study. Physician and subject assessments both indicated that clinical improvements in all photodamage parameters were apparent at one month and persisted at least three months. Improvements in acne scars were noted but not graded. Eleven subjects would recommend the treatment to family and friends. The median pain scores during the initial and final treatments were 2.00 and 2.00, respectively, on a scale of 0-5. Only one adverse effect, facial edema, was judged "probably related to treatment."

CONCLUSION

The SmartSkin fractional laser device improves photodamaged skin for at least three months. The treatment was well tolerated and adverse effects were limited to transient facial edema.