BACKGROUND: The dermis is composed primarily of type I (soft) and type III (rigid scar-like) collagen. Collagen degradation is considered the primary cause of skin aging. Studies have proved the efficacy of infrared irradiation on collagen stimulation but have not investigated the differential long-term effects of infrared irradiation on type I and type III collagen. OBJECTIVE: To determine differential long-term stimulation of type I and type III collagen after infrared (1,100-1,800 nm) irradiation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In vivo rat tissue was irradiated using the infrared device. Histology samples were analyzed for type I and III collagen stimulation, visual changes from baseline, and treatment safety up to 90 days post-treatment. RESULTS: Infrared irradiation provided long-term stimulation of type I collagen and temporary stimulation of type III collagen. Treatment also created long-term smoothing of the epidermis, with no observed complications. CONCLUSIONS: Infrared irradiation provides safe, consistent, long-term stimulation of type I collagen but only short-term stimulation in the more rigid type III collagen. This is preferential for cosmetic patients looking for improvement in laxity and wrinkles while seeking smoother, more youthful skin.
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Tanaka et al. (2009) studied this question.
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