AFit - 1,450nm Long-Pulsed Diode Laser for Non-ablative Skin Rejuvenation

Title : 1,450nm Long-Pulsed Diode Laser for Non-ablative Skin Rejuvenation

Journal : American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc., 2005

Author : SeemA N. Doshi, MD, AND Tina S. Alster, MD

l  Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, DC

Clinical Application : In several clinical studies a 1,450nm diode laser was found to be effective at reducing wrinkles, treating active acne and improving atrophic scars. Tanzi & Alster conducted a study of 25 patients of skin types I~III with wrinkles around the eyes. The treatment using the smooth beam laser was conducted for one month (4 mm spot size, fluence of 15~20 J/cm2, pulse duration 210 ms). The clinical and histological evaluation of the treated skin was conducted at periodic intervals. After a 12–month observation period it was found that, statistically, there was significant improvement in all treatment sites, with improvement being especially conspicuous around the eyes. (Figure 1)

The 1,450 nm laser was also found to be effective at treating neck wrinkles. In one study, a total of 20 patients of skin types I~V were treated three times a month (about once every 10 days) over a six-month period at an irradiation setting ranging between 10~13 J/cm2. The treated patients were evaluated after the first, third and sixth months. In-vivo skin surfaces were studied in detail with a microscope and compared with the untreated control group. The appearance and texture of the treated patients showed a great deal of improvement statistically. The greatest improvement was observed after 6 months. The patient satisfaction survey also showed a result similar to the objective result shown in the precision photograph. (Figure 2)

Conclusion : The various clinical effects observed when the deep-penetrating wavelength causes thermal damage to the collagen and hair roots in the dermis are explained. This study showed that the non-invasive laser system is a good choice for patients who want to have their shallow wrinkles improved after a general therapy. It was also effective in treating active acne and atrophic scars.

Commentary : This study briefly explains the effectiveness of the 1,450nm diode laser for treating wrinkles, acne scars, scars and active acne. The penetration depth of this wavelength is very good for the sebaceous gland. The action mechanism is similar to that of other infrared lasers that heat the water molecules in the vicinity and diffuse the heat to neighboring tissues. Compared to other wavelengths, 1,450nm causes effects similar to those of 1,320nm and 1,540nm. As explained in this paper, a cooling time longer than 40ms seems to be associated with increased pigmentation depending on skin type. Accordingly, it is desirable to keep the duration of the cooling time under 40ms for the sake of safety. 

Discussion : The Afit laser, recently released by Hironic, is a new system that can use the 1,450nm diode laser and RF needle together. This system produces amazing results. It can not only control the secretion of sebum but also completely change the skin of a patient by destroying the sebaceous gland. It can also be used for various lesions, such as acne, acne scars and wrinkles, and also for reduction of sebum secretion in foreign countries. As confirmed by many SCI-level papers, the effectiveness of the Afit laser system is proven.