Skip to Main Content

Chapter 5: Laser and Radiofrequency Treatments for Cutaneous Resurfacing

Lori A. Brightman; Kavitha K. Reddy; Jeremy A. Brauer; Robert T. Anolik

INTRODUCTION

Cutaneous resurfacing encompasses the use of varied technologies to smooth, tighten, even, or otherwise restore epidermal and dermal appearance. Changes resulting from extrinsic aging, including ultraviolet light photodamage and other environmental insults, from chronologic aging, and/or scars resulting from surgery, acne, or other causes of inflammation or trauma may each be treated and significantly reduced or resolved with the appropriate application of laser and/or radiofrequency technology. Given the prevalence of epidermal and dermal abnormalities in the population, demand for effective and safe resurfacing procedures is high. Fortunately, significant advances in the arena of laser and radiofrequency technology have provided effective and diverse options for cutaneous resurfacing (Table 5-1).

Table 5–1Devices for Cutaneous Resurfacinga
View Table||Download (.pdf)
Table 5–1 Devices for Cutaneous Resurfacinga
DEVICE MANUFACTURER WAVELENGTH FLUENCE PULSE WIDTH COMMENTS
Ablative lasers          
  Fraxel Re:pair Solta Medical 10,600 nm; fractional ≤70 mJ/MTZ N/A Roller tip with intelligent optical tracking system, built-in air evacuator
  SmartSkin Cynosure 10,600 nm; fractional ≤30 W 150–20,000 μs Scanning patterns
  SmartXide DOT DEKA Medical 10,600 nm; fractional 150 W 200 μs to 80 ms Three scanning modes
  UltraPulse Lumenis 10,600 nm; fractional 1–225 mJ <1 ms CoolScan and DeepFX handpieces
  Icon, 2940 Palomar 2940 nm; fractional 2–5.5 mJ/0.1 mm 0.25–5 ms  
  ProFractional Sciton 2940 nm; fractional ≤400 J/cm2 Variable Expandable module
  Harmony Pixel 2940 Alma Lasers 2940 nm; fractional 300–2500 mJ/p Short, medium, or long  
  Xeo Pearl Cutera 2790 nm; available pearl fractional 60–320 mJ/microspot 600 μs Combination ablation and coagulation
Nonablative lasers          
  Fraxel Dual Solta Medical 1550/1927 nm ≤70/≤20 mJ/MTZ N/A Integrated Zimmer cooling; intelligent optical tracking system
  Icon, 1540 Palomar 1540 nm; fractional ≤70 mJ/microbeam 10 and 15 ms  
  ARAMIS Quantel Derma 1540 nm ≤126 J/cm2 3.3 ms Skin cooling
  Affirm Cynosure 1440, 1320 nm ≤14 J/cm2 3 ms Air cooling
  MOSAIC Lutronic 1550 nm 4–70 mJ N/A Hair and skin treatment tips
  Clear + Brilliant Solta Medical 1440 nm ≤9 mJ/MTZ N/A Low, medium, and high settings; 1927 nm system under investigation
  Portrait PSR Energist Group Plasma energy 1–10 W N/A  
Radiofrequency devices          
  ePrime Syneron/Candela Radiofrequency Maximum voltage 84 VRMS N/A Bipolar paired microneedles
  Aluma Lumenis Radiofrequency, bipolar 2–20 W 1–5 s 6 × 25 and 3 × 18 mm tips
  eMatrix Syneron/Candela Radiofrequency, bipolar, fractional ≤62 mJ/pin N/A Spot size 12 × 12 mm, 64 or 144 pins
  Thermage Solta Medical Radiofrequency, monopolar ≤400 W 200 ms CPT and NXT systems

aList is not comprehensive. Individuals should verify all information with device manufacturer.

LASER RESURFACING

Patient Selection

Resurfacing using laser treatment may be performed cautiously in a variety of skin phototypes. Risks of resurfacing include potential hyperpigmentation and ...

Pop-up div Successfully Displayed

This div only appears when the trigger link is hovered over. Otherwise it is hidden from view.

This site uses cookies to provide, maintain and improve your experience. MH Privacy Center Close