Skin Tightening Effect Using Fractional Laser Treatment: I. A Randomized Half-Side Pilot Study on Faces of Patients with Acne

BACKGROUND: Fractional laser resurfacing is a new procedure for skin rejuvenation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the skin remodeling effect of fractional laser treatment. METHODS: Twelve Asian patients with acne were irradiated using a fractional 1,540-nm erbium glass laser on a random half of the face twice with a 4-week interval. RESULTS: The faces were contoured on the treated side of most patients. Statistical analyses of the facial images showed that the skin tightening effect was significant 4 weeks after the first and second irradiation (p<.001 after both treatments). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that fractional laser resurfacing is a possible alternative to nonsurgical skin tightening of the face.