Three consecutive picosecond laser treatment on facial wrinkles of Asian patients: Analysis after each treatment session and between different age groups

Background: Skin aging, characterized by wrinkles, is a major esthetic concern. Laser therapy is a mainstay for rejuvenation due to its efficacy and minimal downtime. The recently developed 755-nm picosecond laser with diffractive lens array (DLA) enhances collagen and elastin remodeling with minimal unwanted side effects. However, data on its efficacy after consecutive treatment sessions and in different age groups remain limited. Objectives: We aimed to elucidate the effects of 755-nm picosecond laser with DLA on skin rejuvenation after three consecutive treatment sessions and evaluate improvement after each session, on wrinkles of the lateral canthal and cheek regions in different age groups. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included patients aged 27–78 years with lateral canthal and cheek wrinkles. Patients underwent three treatment sessions 4–6 weeks apart using a 755-nm alexandrite laser, with efficacy assessed through standardized photographs and scoring by two blinded dermatologists. Results: A total of 45 patients (a total of 90 facial sides) with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV were enrolled. After three treatment sessions, statistically significant improvements were observed in lateral canthal wrinkles ( P < 0.001) and facial wrinkles ( P < 0.001). We used 50 years of age as a demarcation point and divided patients into two age groups. Both the age groups showed significant improvement in lateral canthal wrinkles after three treatment sessions ( P < 0.001 for < 50 years, P < 0.001 for ≥50 years). Conclusion: In patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV, picosecond laser with DLA showed statistically significant improvement after just three treatment sessions in improving lateral canthus wrinkles and cheek wrinkles. More improvement was seen in patients younger than 50 years for lateral canthus wrinkles, while more consistent session-to-session improvement was seen in patients older than 50 years for cheek wrinkles.