Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Research Articles

A study of the objective benefits and safety of Er-YAG laser in the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause

The aim of this study is to evaluate changes in vaginal pH and epithelium maturation after erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er-YAG) laser treatment, and to assess its safety and efficacy on the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). This was a retrospective study conducted between November 2019 and April 2022 and included 32 women diagnosed with GSM who had not benefitted from lubrication treatment and could not or would not use estrogen. Patients received three sessions of Er- YAG laser. All patient data before and after treatment were obtained from computer records. Vaginal maturation index (VMI), maturation value (MV) and vaginal pH values of the patients before and after laser treatment were compared. We also evaluated post-procedural complications and symptoms. Mean age was 59.72 ± 5.66years. After laser therapy, there was a significant decrease in vaginal pH (p < 0.001) and the proportion of parabasal cells in VMI (p < 0.001), while there was a significant increase in MV (p < 0.001) and the proportion of superficial cells in VMI (p < 0.001). In 84.4% of the patients, GSM-related symptoms regressed completely or decreased to a tolerable level. Patients in which symptoms disappeared completely had significantly lower mean age (p = 0.002) and duration of menopause (p = 0.009). The laser procedure resulted in complications including mucosal injury in 5 (15.6%) patients (all recovered spontaneously) and vaginal burning sensation in 2 (6.3%) patients. Vaginal Er-YAG laser treatment may be a safe and effective alternative treatment method in a population of women with GSM who do not want to or cannot use estrogen therapy.

Comparison of the shear rebond strength of zirconia brackets treated with different Er:YAG laser energies.

This study aimed to identify the optimal technological parameters for rebonding zirconia brackets treated using an erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser. Er:YAG lasers with varying energies were compared with the flaming and sandblasting treatment methods. Detached zirconia brackets were treated and evaluated for shear rebond strength, bracket bottom-plate morphology, position, and depth of microleakage. They were then treated for rebonding using flaming, sandblasting, or an Er:YAG laser set at 250-mJ, 300-mJ, 350-mJ energy. Their shear rebond strength were measured using microforce tester. The topography of the treated bottom plates were observed using scanning electron microscopy. A confocal laser scanning microscope was used to measure the depth of the joint and gingival-side microleakage at the bracket-adhesive (B-A) and enamel-adhesive interfaces. With 300 mJ Er:YAG laser treatment, the detached zirconia brackets can obtain good rebonding strength and minimize the shape change of bracket bottom plates; the adhesion of the B-A interface is better than other methods.

Influence of Er:YAG laser irradiation on the outcomes of alveolar ridge preservation at the infected molar sites: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the socket healing outcome after alveolar ridge preservation at infected molar sites using an erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser.MethodsEighteen patients who needed molar extraction and exhibited signs of infection were included and allocated into either the laser group or the control group. Er:YAG laser irradiation for degranulation and disinfection was performed with alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) in the laser group. Traditional debridement with a curette was performed in the control group. Two months after ARP, bone tissue samples were harvested at the time of implant placement for histological analysis. Assessment of dimension changes in alveolar bone was conducted by superimposing two cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans taken at baseline and two months after extraction.ResultsHistologically, after two months of healing, Er:YAG laser treatment resulted in more newly formed bone (laser: 17.75 ± 8.75, control: 12.52 ± 4.99, p = 0.232). Moreover, greater osteocalcin (OCN) positive expression and lower runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2) positive expression were detected in the laser group. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups. The difference in the vertical resorption of the buccal bone plate was statistically significant between groups (laser: -0.31 ± 0.26 mm, control: -0.97 ± 0.32 mm, p < 0.05). Major changes in ridge width were observed at 1 mm below the bone crest. However, the differences between groups were not significant (laser: -0.36 ± 0.31 mm, control: -1.14 ± 1.24 mm, p = 0.171).ConclusionsARP with Er:YAG laser irradiation seemed to improve bone healing by regulating osteogenesis-related factor expression in the early stage at infected sites.Trial registrationThe trial was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Platform (https://www.chictr.org.cn/) (registration number: ChiCTR2300068671; registration date: 27/02/2023).

Temperature Changes during Er:YAG Laser Activation with the Side-Firing Spiral Endo Tip in Root Canal Treatment

Erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser-activated irrigation (LAI) is used in endodontic treatment to remove the smear layer and kill bacteria in the root canal. However, this procedure can cause photo-thermal effects that harm the surrounding tissue. Therefore, it was important to study the temperature changes that occur at the outer tooth surface during activation of the Er:YAG laser using a side-firing spiral Endo tip in the root canal. Laser treatment was performed either in the absence of fluid in the root canal or in the presence of a 17% EDTA solution. Irrigation with 17% EDTA was either performed in a continuous mode for 60 s or in a segmented mode of 4 rinses with 17% EDTA for 15 s each. The temperature was measured every second during the treatment at three tooth surface sites: the cementoenamel junction, the middle region and the apical region. Our data show that the greatest temperature changes occurred when the laser was used alone without an irrigation solution, while minor temperature changes were observed with continuous irrigation. In conclusion, we would recommend applying the laser treatment with an irrigation solution to avoid excessive heating.

Laser devices for vaginal rejuvenation: effectiveness, regulation and marketing.

KEY POINTS In the mid-2010s, vaginal energy devices (such as fractional CO2 lasers, erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet lasers [Er:YAG], diode lasers or radiofrequency ablation) emerged as a new potential treatment for genitourinary sydrome of menopause (GSM). A clinical diagnosis of GSM requires

Comparative efficacy and safety of six photoelectric therapies for the atrophic acne scars: A network meta-analysis

Objectives This network meta-analysis assessed the relative efficacy and safety of six common photoelectric therapies including 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG), fractional carbon dioxide laser(FSCO2), fractional micro-plasma radiofrequency(Plasma), micro-needling fractional radiofrequency (MRF), 1550nm or 1540nm erbium-glass non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) fractional erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er: YAG). Methods A comprehensive search to identify relevant studies was conducted using four electronic databases. Outcome measures were extracted based on subjective and objective indexes, including the dermatologists' evaluation(DE), the patients' overall satisfaction(PS), VAS score, and Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Results Eleven published clinical research studies, involving 405 patients were included in this study. Ranking of DE from large to small is as follows: Nd: YAG, FSCO2, Er: YAG, Plasma, NAFL, MRF. In terms of PS, the rand from high to low can be described as follows: Er: YAG, Nd: YAG, FSCO2, Plasma, NAFL, MRF. In connection with the sequencing of adverse events, pain severity from slight to severe as follows: Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, FSCO2, NAFL, MRF, Plasma. The probability of having PIH are presented in order from lowest to highest as follows: MRF, Plasma, Nd: YAG, NAFL, Er: YAG, FSCO2. Conclusion FSCO2 remains the mainstream of potentially curative treatment, then again Nd: YAG and Er: YAG require greater efforts to prove their superior effectiveness. NAFL might be appropriate for mild and moderate improvement with its strengths of good tolerance while Plasma fits into patients with higher pain thresholds but an expectation of higher results. MRF has not given expression on absolute predominance for the present. Registration PROSPERO CRD42021242160 (available from https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero).

Efficacy of antibacterial agents combined with erbium laser and photodynamic therapy in reducing titanium biofilm vitality: an in vitro study

Background and objectiveThe emergence of peri-implant diseases has prompted various methods for decontaminating the implant surface. This study compared the effectiveness of three different approaches, chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) combined with erbium-doped yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Er:YAG) laser, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and CHX only, for reducing biofilm vitality from implant-like titanium surfaces.Study design/Materials and methodsThe study involved eight volunteers, each receiving a custom mouth device containing eight titanium discs. The volunteers were requested to wear the device for 72 h for biofilm development. Fluorescence microscopy was used to evaluate the remaining biofilm with a two-component nucleic acid dye kit. The vital residual biofilm was quantified as a percentage of the surface area using image analysis software. Sixty-four titanium discs were assigned randomly to one of four treatment groups.ResultsThe percentage of titanium disc area covered by vital residual biofilm was 43.9% (7.7%), 32.2% (7.0%), 56.6% (3.6%), and 73.2% (7.8%) in the PDT, Er:YAG, CHX, and control groups, respectively (mean (SD)). Compared to the control group, the treatment groups showed significant differences in the area covered by residual biofilm (P < 0.001). CHX combined with Er:YAG laser treatment was superior to CHX combined with PDT, and CHX only was better than the control.ConclusionWithin the current in vitro model's limitations, CHX combined with Er:YAG laser treatment is a valid method to reduce biofilm vitality on titanium discs.

Microleakage and Marginal Integrity of Surface-Coated and Laser-Pretreated Class V Composite Restorations in Primary Teeth.

Introduction: Despite the advanced formulations of resin composites, microleakage is still among the commonest causes of clinical failure of these restorations. We evaluated the effect of surface coating and laser pretreatment on the microleakage of Class V resin composite restorations in primary teeth. Methods: Sixty extracted primary molar teeth having intact lingual or facial surfaces were randomly allocated into the control, G-Coat Plus surface coating, and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser pretreatment groups. Class V cavities were provided with the coronal and gingival margins in the dentin and enamel, respectively. Restoration of the cavities was done with Z250 resin composite and they were thermocycled, followed by immersing in 2% basic Fuchsin dye for 24 hrs. Samples underwent sectioning occlusogingivally and the microleakage was assessed under a stereomicroscope (40×). Statistical analysis was done via SPSS and Kruskal-Wallis test (α=0.05). Results: The control and G-Coat plus groups were significantly different regarding the microleakage (P<0.001), and G-Coat Plus and laser pretreatment groups (P<0.001) at both gingival and occlusal margins. However, it showed no significant difference between the laser and the control group on the enamel (P=0.063) and dentin margins (P=0.757). Microleakage at the gingival margins was significantly greater compared to the occlusal margins in the control and laser groups (P<0.001), but not in the G-Coat Plus group (P=0.051). Conclusion: G-Coat plus coating significantly reduced microleakage at dentin and enamel margins of Class V composite restorations in primary teeth, in comparison with other groups of the study. Also, dentin margins showed more significant amounts of microleakage versus enamel margins in all groups, except for the G-Coat Plus group.

The Effect of Er:YAG Laser and Diode Laser in Combination with MI Varnish on the Depth of Remineralization of Incipient Carious Lesions - An In vitro Study

Background Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that results from an imbalance between pathological and protective factors. The imbalance produced favors demineralization of enamel. If detected early non-cavitated lesions can be reverted with the help of remineralizing agents. The role of calcium-phosphate remineralization systems and the ErYAG and diode lasers in the treatment of these lesions has recently been taken into account.Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the remineralization potential of Erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser ErYAG laser diode laser combined with MI varnish on the depth of remineralization of incipient carious lesions.Methods Forty eight human premolars were collected conditioned with demineralizing agents to create artificial carious lesions. Then the samples were coated with nail paint leaving a uncoated window of 4 mmtimes 4 mm facially. The samples were then randomly divided into four groups n12 Group I ndashControl Group II ndashMI Varnish Group III ndash MI Varnish ErYAG laser and Group IV ndashMI Varnish Diode laser. For a period of seven days specimens were conditioned with remineralizing agents followed by laser irradiation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy CLSM was used to assess the depth of demineralization and remineralization. Statistical Package SPSS 22.0 SPSS Inc. Chicago IL was used to analyze the data. KruskalndashWallis test was used to analyze the difference between the groups and post hoc MannndashWhitney test was used to compare the differences between the groups. The level of significance was set at p lt0.05.Results Samples in Group III showed greater remineralization depth 1488.235 compared to other groups with statistically significant p lt0.001.Conclusion Within the limitations of this in vitro study MI varnish alone is less effective compared to laser groups MI varnish ErYAG and MI varnish Diode laser which showed increased remineralization depths.

Erbium-doped yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: A case report

Abstract Studies have found that periodontal disease or acute periodontal inflammation may lead to dentin hypersensitivity (DHS) if left untreated. Moreover, periodontal treatments may result in DHS after initial treatment and surgical therapy. Several desensitizing methods and agents are used to relieve DHS. Recently, laser therapy has been proposed to treat DHS. In this report, we present a case of a 59-year-old woman who had lower left tooth sensitivity after air-blast test. The patient achieved complete recovery after erbium-doped yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser therapy. The findings provide a basis for further studies into the clinical effectiveness of laser therapy in reducing DHS.

Fractional Erbium YAG Laser Resurfacing Versus 20% Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Peeling in the Treatment of Acne Scars: A Comparative Study.

Acne scarring not only affects the aesthetic appearance of an individual but also has a detrimental effect on mental health and social life. Various treatment modalities are available for acne scars. In this study, fractional erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser resurfacing was compared with 20% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling in terms of efficacy and safety. This prospective comparative study included 50 subjects of acne scar who were randomly divided into Groups A and B, 25 patients in each group. Group A was treated with 4 sessions of fractional Er:YAG laser and Group B with 4 session of 20% TCA application as chemical peeling, repeated every 21 days over a period of 3 months. The patients were evaluated for improvement at each visit using Goodman and Baron's qualitative and quantitative acne scar grading. Statistically significant improvement in Goodman and Barron's qualitative acne scar grades was observed in both groups. At the end of therapy, that is, after 12 weeks of therapy, the mean percentage reduction in Goodman and Baron's quantitative acne scar scores was 21.69% ± 16% in Group A and 20.97% ± 8.70% in Group B. In regards of complications, both procedures were well tolerated. We concluded that fractional Er:YAG laser resurfacing and 20% TCA peel application in the treatment of atrophic acne scar are equally efficacious. Both procedures are safe and well tolerated by the patients.

Experimental Analysis of Vaginal Laxity in Rats Treated With a Combination of Er:YAG Fractional Lasers and AMSC-MP

Introduction: Vaginal laxity, a symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction observed in women, has many negative biological and psychological impacts. Laser treatments and stem cell-based therapies are emerging therapeutic methods for treating this condition. This study aimed to determine changes in vaginal laxity in model rats using a combination therapy of erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) fractional lasers and topical treatment with amniotic membrane stem cell metabolite products (AMSC-MP). Methods: The experimental animal population comprised 36 female white rats (Rattus norvegicus; 2-day-post-vaginal-delivery rats) allocated into the following four groups (n=9): K1, untreated two-day-post-vaginal-delivery rats; K2, two-day-post-vaginal-delivery rats treated with topical gel without AMSC-MP; P1, two-day-post-vaginal-delivery rats treated with Er:YAG fractional lasers and topical gel without AMSC-MP; P2, two-day-post-vaginal-delivery rats treated with Er: YAG fractional lasers and topical gel containing AMSC-MP. Immunohistochemical (IHC) examination was carried out for the expression and activity of heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70), collagen-1, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), as well as vaginal mucosal thickness. Results: There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the expression of HSP-70 among all groups except K2 and P1 (P>0.05); there was no significant difference in type I collagen and TIMP-1 expression between the groups (P>0.05); there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in MMP-1 activity, with the activity in the K2 group (5.79±0.83) being higher than that in the P1 group (4.44±1.82) and that in the K1 group (5.74±1.03) being higher than that in the P2 group (4.24±1.55). Also, there was a significant difference in the thickness of the vaginal mucosa in all groups except K2 and P1 (P>0.05). Conclusion: Er:YAG fractional laser and AMSC-MP combination therapy improved vaginal laxity in model rats by increasing Hsp70 expression and vaginal mucosal thickness and decreasing MMP-1 activity.

Effect of Er: YAG Laser Irradiation on Bone Metabolism-Related Factors Using Cultured Human Osteoblasts.

Introduction: A variety of laser treatments have been applied in numerous medical fields. In dentistry, laser treatments are used for caries, root canals, and periodontal disease, as well as surgical resection. Numerous reports have recently been published on the use of lasers for bone regeneration. If laser irradiation is found to promote the activation of bone metabolism, it might also be effective for periodontal treatment, peri-implantitis, and bone regeneration. Therefore, the present in vitro study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er: YAG) laser irradiation on the bone using osteoblast-like cells. Methods: Osteoblast-like Saos 2 cells (5.0×104 cells) were seeded in 24-well plates. 24 hours after being seeded, the cells were subjected to 0.3 W, 0.6 W, and 2.0 W Er: YAG laser irradiation and then allowed to recover for 48 hours. The expression levels of bone metabolism-related factors alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were then evaluated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. Results: Saos 2 cells subjected to Er: YAG laser irradiation at 0.3 W, 0.6 W, and 2.0 W showed normal growth. When the Er: YAG laser irradiation and control groups were compared after 48 hours, increases were observed in ALP, BSP, and OPG gene and protein expression in the 2.0 W group. Similar results were obtained in the western blot analysis. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the Er: YAG laser irradiation of osteoblast-like cells is effective for activating bone metabolism factors.

Roughness of the Surface of Zirconia Reinforced Lithium Disilicate Ceramic Treated by Different Procedures.

Lithium disilicate and zirconia are the two most popular materials for aesthetic and dental prosthetic work; however, due to their limitations, a new material is being researched, namely zirconia-reinforced lithium disilicate, the surface of which is treated with different procedures to achieve the best possible surface properties. In this study, the surface of zirconia-reinforced lithium disilicate glass-ceramic was treated using different methods (conventional and laser) to determine the effects of the treatment procedures on the surface properties and surface roughness to achieve a higher strength of adhesion from the self-adhesive resin cement to zirconia-reinforced lithium disilicate. The treated surfaces were investigated using profilometry, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. The results obtained were statistically evaluated. The results show that the surface roughness is highest for the samples treated with Er:YAG (erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser) and silanisation. Furthermore, the surface treatment procedures applied did not change the composition of the surface.

The effect of Er:YAG laser treatment on biofilm formation on titanium and zirconia disc surfaces.

Lasers represent a promising method for implant decontamination, but evidence on implant surface changes and subsequent biofilm formation is limited. This study aimed to assess the effect of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser treatment on zirconia and titanium discs, and the differences in biofilm formation as a result of surface alterations. A two-stage (in vitro and in vivo) experiment utilizing Er:YAG laser on titanium and zirconia discs was performed. In vitro, surface alterations, roughness, and elemental-material weight differences following laser treatment were assessed using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. In vivo, four participants wore custom-made intra-oral stents, embedded with laser-treated and untreated titanium and zirconia discs overnight. Biofilm-coated discs were stained using nucleic acid fluorescence dye and visualized using multiphoton confocal laser scanning microscopy. Biofilm 3D structure, biomass, thickness, and live-to-dead bacteria ratio were assessed. Both titanium and zirconia discs treated with Er:YAG laser resulted in visual surface alterations, but showed no significant change in average surface roughness (titanium P=0.53, zirconia P=0.34) or elemental-material-weight (titanium, P=0.98), (zirconia, P=0.96). No significant differences in biofilm biomass, average thickness, and live-to-dead bacteria ratio of laser-treated titanium and zirconia discs were identified compared to untreated groups (titanium P>0.05, zirconia P>0.05). Generally, zirconia discs presented with a lower live-to-dead bacteria ratio compared to titanium discs, regardless of laser treatment. Er:YAG laser treatment of titanium and zirconia implant surfaces does not significantly affect surface roughness, elemental material weight, or early biofilm formation in the oral cavity.

Er:YAG laser removal of zirconia crowns on titanium abutment of dental implants: an in vitro study

BackgroundThis research aimed to explore feasibility and the time required when erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser as a non-invasive treatment modality to retrieve different thicknesses of zirconia material bonded by two dental cements from titanium implant abutments.MethodsPrepared 80 titanium blocks (length: 20 mm, width: 10 mm, height: 10 mm) and square zirconia sheets (length: 10 mm) with different thicknesses (1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm) were 20 pieces each. Resin modified glass ionomer cement (RelyX Luting 2; RXL) and resin cement (Clearfil SA luting; CSL) were used to bond zirconia sheet and titanium block. Specimens were kept in 100% humidity for 48 h. Er:YAG laser was used to retrieve the zirconia sheet and recorded the time. Universal testing machine was used to measure the residual adhesion of the samples that did not retrieve after 5 min of laser irradiation. Shear bond strength (MPa) and the time data (s) were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis Test. The bonding surface and the irradiation surface of the zirconia sheet was examined with the scanning electron microscopy (SEM).ResultsWithin 5 min of laser irradiation, RXL group: 1 mm group all fell off, 2 mm group had 3 specimens did not fall off, there was no statistical difference in the average time between the two groups; CSL group: half of the 1 mm group fell off. Shear bond strength test results: there was no statistical difference between 1 and 2 mm in RXL group and 1 mm in CSL group, there was no statistical difference between 3 mm in RXL group and 2 mm in CSL group, and there were significant differences statistically in comparison between any two groups in the rest. SEM inspection showed that the bonding surface and the irradiation surface of the zirconia sheet had changes.ConclusionIn this vitro study, the following could be concluded: it is faster to remove zirconia crowns with thickness less than 2 mm from titanium abutment when luted with RelyX Luting 2 compared to Clearfil SA luting.

Efficiency of ER:YAG laser therapy in combination with behaviour management technique in reducing anxiety among paediatric dental patients – a study protocol for a randomised clinical trial

IntroductionWhen providing dental care to children with a high level of dental anxiety, the range of approaches is divided into two sections: use of behaviour management techniques (BMTs) and application...

Effect of Hydroxyapatite Coating by Er: YAG Pulsed Laser Deposition on the Bone Formation Efficacy by Polycaprolactone Porous Scaffold.

Composite scaffolds obtained by the combination of biodegradable porous scaffolds and hydroxyapatite with bone regeneration potential are feasible materials for bone tissue engineering. However, most composite scaffolds have been fabricated by complicated procedures or under thermally harsh conditions. We have previously demonstrated that hydroxyapatite coating onto various substrates under a thermally mild condition was achieved by erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er: YAG) pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The purpose of this study was to prepare a polycaprolactone (PCL) porous scaffold coated with the hydroxyapatite by the Er: YAG-PLD method. Hydroxyapatite coating by the Er: YAG-PLD method was confirmed by morphology, crystallographic analysis, and surface chemical characterization studies. When cultured on PCL porous scaffold coated with hydroxyapatite, rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells adhered, spread, and proliferated well. The micro-CT and staining analyses after the implantation of scaffold into the critical-sized calvaria bone defect in rats indicate that PCL porous scaffold coated with hydroxyapatite demonstrates accelerated and widespread bone formation. In conclusion, PCL porous scaffold coated with hydroxyapatite obtained by the Er: YAG-PLD method is a promising material in bone tissue engineering.

Erbium YAG Laser in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

The article presents data on the effectiveness of the 2940 nm wavelength erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (Er:YAG) in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AA) in 85 men. All AA patients underwent a video trichodermatoscopy examination of the scalp using an Aramo-SG video camera (Korea) with ×60 and ×200 lenses, and the Trichoscience diagnostic program. The results of the study were evaluated by videotrichodermatoscopy by the presence of atrophied HF before and after 3 months of laser therapy. A 3-month erbium laser treatment using a 2940-nm Er:YAG laser along with the conventional therapy showed a high efficiency, which was expressed in a decrease in microfibrosis around the hair follicles and an increase in hair growth in the anagen stage.

2940-nm erbium:YAG laser versus 980-nm diode laser in the treatment of multiple seborrheic keratoses: A prospective comparative randomized study.

Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are the most common benign epithelial tumors encountered in clinical practice. Complications associated with traditional treatments of SKs urge the scientists to seek alternative treatment modalities. Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of 2940-nm erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser versus 980-nm diode laser both clinically and dermoscopically for the treatment of seborrheic keratosis. Thirty subjects with multiple SKs were randomized to receive two sessions of either Er:YAG laser (n=15) or diode laser (n=15) and were followed up for 2 weeks after each session, and at 3 and 6 months after the second session. Both lasers exhibited significant clearance of SKs with no significant difference in clinical and dermoscopic improvement between the two systems. However, Er:YAG laser showed shorter total downtime but more serious erythema, while scarring and hyperpigmentation were observed in diode laser group. No recurrence was detected in both groups at 6 months follow-up. Er:YAG and diode lasers both are effective, non-invasive and well-tolerated techniques in treatment of SKs.