The Use of the Erbium:YAG Laser for the Treatment of Class III Rhytids

BACKGROUND: The erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser can be used for precise tissue ablation with minimal thermally induced damage. Because of its ability to superficially ablate tissue, the Er:YAG laser can be used to improve fine rhytids with rapid epidermal reepithelialization. It has not been shown that the Er:YAG laser can successfully treat deeper rhytids where some thermal damage may lead to more optimal collagen remodeling. OBJECTIVE: We chose to evaluate the efficacy of multiple superficial Er:TAG laser sessions in the treatment of deeper class III rhytids. METHODS: Twenty subjects were selected for this study. All treated subjects had class III rhytids and were Fitzpatrick I-III skin phenotypes. All subjects were treated with four Er:YAG laser passes at 5 J/cm2. Three months after the initial treatment, a second treatment with similar parameters was repeated. Six months after the initial treatment, a third laser session with identical parameters was undertaken. Subjects were evaluated for laser efficacy and postlaser complications. RESULTS: Although no subjects showed improvement after the first laser session, mild to excellent improvement was noted 6 months after the third Er:YAG laser treatment. CONCLUSION: The Er:YAG may be used successfully in the treatment of class III rhytids. Multiple sessions may be required.