1,927‐nm Fractional Thulium Fiber Laser for the Treatment of Nonfacial Photodamage: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND A 1,927‐nm wavelength was recently added to the 1,550‐nm erbium‐doped fiber laser. This wavelength possesses a higher absorption coefficient for water than the 1,550‐nm, conferring greater ability to target epidermal processes. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel 1,927‐nm fractional thulium fiber laser in the treatment of nonfacial photodamage. METHODS Nine participants with nonfacial photodamage underwent three laser treatments (at 3‐ to 4‐week intervals) at pulse energies of 10 to 20 mJ and 30% to 55% surface area coverage (4–8 passes) with a 1,927‐nm thulium fiber laser. A blinded assessor and participants evaluated clinical improvement of treatment areas at 1‐month follow‐up using a quartile grading scale (0–4). RESULTS Nine participants with a total of 12 treatment areas completed three treatments and the 1‐month follow‐up visit. At follow‐up, a blinded assessor rated mean improvement in photodamage as 3.25 ± 1.0 and lentigines as 3.33 ± 0.9 on a scale of 0 to 4 (0=none, 1=1–25%, 2=26–50%, 3=51–75%, and 4=76–100% improvement). Skin responses observed after treatment were moderate erythema, mild edema, itching, and desquamation. No scarring or postinflammatory hyper‐ or hypopigmentation was observed. CONCLUSION The 1,927‐nm fractional thulium fiber laser is a safe, effective treatment for nonfacial photodamage. Dr. Polder is a principal investigator and Dr. Suzanne Bruce is a consultant for Solta Medical.