LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. An experimental light technique using pneumatic pressure treats unwanted hair, photodamage, and pigmented and vascular lesions with greater efficacy and safety than do comparable techniques, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.
Photopneumatic pixilation combines vacuum pneumatic energy with a broadband light source, allowing four to five times the energy of other laser and light source techniques to be transmitted to the target area, said Vic A. Narurkar, M.D., a dermatologist practicing in San Francisco. As a result, lower wavelengths can be used.
The investigational device was provided by Aesthera Inc. Dr. Narurkar has equity in the company and is also on its medical advisory board.
The device works by switching from positive to negative pressure once in contact with the skin, essentially sucking the skin closer to the light source. "During this 2-second phase of vacuum application, the blood concentration and melanin concentrations are reduced. So theoretically, every skin type behaves as what I like to call skin type zero," Dr. Narurkar said.
In the instant that light is applied, fluences are about one-tenth what would be used with competitive technologies. As a result, there is very selective destruction of the targets. Finally the skin is released.
The treatment area is fairly large and the technique rapid, allowing treatment of the back in about 15 minutes and a hand in 2-3 minutes, Dr. Narurkar explained.
Dr. Narurkar said he has completed a 60-patient trial with promising results. Beta testing of the device is ongoing.