Hybrid fractional laser treatment for photodamaged facial skin rejuvenation 6 years following fractional CO 2 : Comparison of clinical outcome and patients' satisfaction.

Objectives: Fractional carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) laser resurfacing is considered an effective treatment for skin rejuvenation. The request for clinical effectiveness with shorter downtime has led to the development of new hybrid technologies, including a traditional Er:YAG (erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) fractional laser 2940 nm combined with a simultaneous nonablative 1470 nm wavelength. The aim of this study is to compare clinical outcomes and patients' satisfaction with face resurfacing performed with both the CO ₂  laser and the hybrid laser.
Methods: Nineteen women underwent ultrapulsed CO ₂ fractional resurfacing for photodamaged facial skin; the same patients underwent the hybrid laser after almost 6 years. Clinical outcomes and patients' satisfaction were evaluated 6 months after the treatment and compared between the two technologies.
Results: After both CO ₂ and hybrid treatment a significant improvement was found in terms of fine lines (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively), tactile roughness (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively), and mottled pigmentation (both p < 0.001). Healing times and complications were greater with the CO ₂ laser. Comparing the two technologies, patients showed better results with the CO ₂ laser for each score's item, but greater satisfaction with the hybrid laser (p = 0.012).
Conclusions: The present study confirms CO ₂ laser as the most effective treatment; however, the new hybrid technology revealed good results associated with faster healing and less discomfort.
(© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)