Treatment of Periorbital Wrinkles Using a 2,790-nm Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet Laser

Abstract

Wrinkle formation usually accompanies skin aging. Periorbital wrinkles in particular are an early sign of skin aging. Therefore, several modalities have been developed to treat periorbital wrinkles, including topical applications, surgical techniques, and laser resurfacing. The 2,790-nm yttrium scandium gallium garnet (YSGG) laser has been increasing in popularity recently, but there have been no investigations into the use of a 2,790-nm YSGG laser for the treatment of periorbital wrinkles. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a 2,790-nm YSGG laser for treating periorbital wrinkles. Ten Korean patients (Fitzpatrick skin type II-V) with periorbital wrinkles were enrolled in this study. They were treated two times with a 4-week interval using a 2,790-nm YSGG laser. The treatment parameters were an average 2-J/cm² fluence, 6-mm spot size, and 0.3-ms pulse width. Treatment consisted of two to three passes of the laser with 20% overlap until a clinical end point of mild erythema was observed. Patients were examined 1 week after each treatment and 3 months after the last treatment. Two independent, blinded dermatologists evaluated clinical improvement using the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Classification System (FWCS) by comparing digital photographs taken before treatment (baseline) and 3 months after the last treatment. Efficacy was assessed by subtracting the baseline score from the score at 3 months after the last treatment (wrinkle improvement < 0; no change = 0; worsening > 0). At each visit, the patients were also evaluated for any side effects. At the end of the study, the patients documented their degree of satisfaction on a scale of very satisfied, satisfied, slightly satisfied, and unsatisfied. All patients completed the two treatment sessions, and all experienced clinical improvement of periorbital wrinkles based on the physician assessments. The mean treatment efficacies for the right and left sides using the FWCS were -1.85 ± 0.82 and -1.70 ± 0.71, respectively. Nine of 10 participants were satisfied with the procedure. Transient hyperpigmentation and slight exfoliation were observed in one patient after the last treatment, but this disappeared within 10 weeks. In treating periorbital wrinkles, a 2,790-nm YSGG laser treatment might be an effective treatment modality with minimal complications. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.