Side Effects And Complications Of Fractional Laser Photothermolysis

BACKGROUND:A novel1,550-nm erbium-doped laser(Fraxel,Reliant Technologies inc.)has been shown to be effective in the treatment of photodamaged skin and scars with minimal postoperative recovery;however,studies evaluating its side effects and complication rates have been limited.PURPOSE:The purpose was to determine the frequency and range of side effects and complications associated with fractional photothermolysis treatment.METHODS:A retrospective evaluation of961successive1550-nm erdium-doped laser treatments in patients of various skin phototypes(1-5type)was conducted in a single center. Side effects and complications of treatment,including time of onset and duration,were identified and tabulated.Patient demographics and laser parameters were also assessed.RESULTS:Seventy-three treatments(7.6%)resulted in development of complications. The most frequent complications were acneiform eruptions(1.87%)and herpes simplex virus outbreaks(1.77%).Side effects and complications were equally distributed across different ages,skin types,body locations,laser parameters,and underlying skin conditions,except for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation,which occurred with increased frequency in patients with daker skin phototypes.CONCLUSIONS:Fractional laser skin treatment is associated with a relatively low complication rate.Side effects and complications observed in this study were temporary and did not result in long-term or significantly severe sequelae(e.g.,scarring).