PALM BEACH, FLA. A new laser with a unique wavelength holds promise for skin rejuvenation and offers advantages over fractional resurfacing, Dr. David J. Goldberg reported at the annual meeting of the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery.
The Pearl 2790-nm yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser (Cutera Inc.) "is different from a fractional device. The laser treats the whole epidermis, so you don't need multiple treatments," said Dr. Goldberg, director of laser research and Mohs surgery at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York.
Dermatologists will be able to target uneven skin texture and improve fine lines and photodamage with the new laser, and treatment of mild acne scarring is another potential indication, said Dr. Goldberg, who is a researcher for Cutera.
"It's brand new. I am going to guess no one here has this laser yet," he said at the meeting. The company plans to launch the laser in select cities this summer.
The Pearl 2790-nm laser is indicated for skin types I to III, "with use for skin type IV as a goal," he noted. Fast treatment time is another feature. A full-face treatment takes approximately 30 minutes.
Longer downtime is a tradeoff, however, compared with fractional resurfacing. Patients "are in pain for a while, no question about it. But the results are great," Dr. Goldberg said. "Now more and more people will accept a little downtime if they get a better cosmetic outcome."
In general, flaking begins 2 days after treatment. Peeling starts on day 3 with skin reepithelialization; some erythema will still be seen on day 4. Most patients are ready to return to work and daily activities by this time.
"It is a pretty simple procedure. One pass is required," he said. Apply topical anesthesia for 3045 minutes beforehand to minimize pain during the procedure.
The energy ranges from about 1 J/cm
The user interface is simple and the 9-ounce hand piece is very lightweight, he said. Also, there are no disposables with this system.
The 2790-nm wavelength is near, but not at, the peak of water absorption in the skin. This allows for a small amount of beneficial thermal effect and controlled ablation of the skin, he explained.