Erbium Laser Research Articles

Application of laser technologies in patients with flat red oral mucosa

This study reviews evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of lichen planus in the oral mucosa, and also evaluates the effectiveness of using erbium and neodymium lasers and scalpels for the surgical treatment of patients diagnosed with the same. Previous clinical and biomedical studies found that laser technologies offered several advantages over traditional scalpel treatment, including less tissue trauma, selective effects on the lesion, more favorable postoperative outcomes, and a shorter rehabilitation period. These factors, in turn, contributed to an increase in the efficiency of surgical treatment and a reduction in the likelihood of recurrence and postoperative complications.

Effects of diode and erbium lasers as an adjunct to scaling and root planing on clinical and immunological parameters in non-surgical periodontal treatment: a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial-"effects of lasers on immunological parameters".

This study evaluated the effects of diode and erbium lasers, as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP), on clinical and immunological parameters in non-surgical periodontal therapy. In this split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial, 17 participants with at least one periodontally involved tooth in each quadrant received oral hygiene instruction and full-mouth SRP. At baseline, probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and full-mouth plaque index (FMPI) were measured, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) sampling was performed. Next, one random quadrant in each participant received 940nm diode laser (1W, continuous-wave), and another quadrant received 2780nm Er,Cr:YSGG laser (1.5W, 30Hz) irradiation. The GCF levels of interleukin (IL)-10 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 were measured at baseline, and after 2 and 6months using ELISA. The clinical parameters were also measured. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. Significant clinical improvement was noted in all groups (P < 0.05). CAL in the control group was higher at 6months than 2months. The increase in IL-10 in erbium group was significantly greater than that in other groups (P < 0.001). The MMP-13 level was significantly lower in laser groups with greater reduction in erbium group (P < 0.001). Application of 940nm diode and 2780nm Er,Cr:YSGG lasers as an adjunct to SRP significantly decreased the GCF level of MMP-13, with no significant clinical advantage over SRP monotherapy. Application of 2780nm Er,Cr:YSGG laser in addition to SRP increased the GCF level of IL-10.Trial registration numbers:IRCT20140318017053N11 and IRCT20140318017053N9.

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.

Revascularization of an Immature Permanent Tooth with Periapical Periodontitis Using Concentrated Growth Factor Assisted by Erbium Laser (2940 nm) Irrigation: A Case Report

Revascularization has been incorporated into endodontic practice and become a viable treatment alternative for immature teeth with pulp necrosis. Thorough disinfection of the root canal is a key factor for successful revascularization. An erbium: yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Er: YAG) laser has been proved advantageous for efficient root canal disinfection. This article reports one case of periapical periodontitis caused by a fractured occlusal tubercle. Revascularization assisted by Er: YAG laser irrigation was carried out with long-term follow up. During the process of treatment, we opened drainage to relieve the acute symptoms first. The necrotic pulp was removed, and then the root canal was rinsed with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution assisted by Er: YAG laser irrigation, dried, and filled with a triple-antibiotic paste. After two weeks, the intracanal medication was removed, and 9 mL of whole vein blood was taken from the patient to prepare concentrated growth factor (CGF) after failing to induce enough blood into the canal system by over-instrumenting. The newly prepared CGF was transferred into the root canal. A 3 mm mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was placed directly on the thrombus of the CGF and then restored with glass-ionomer cement (GIC). The case was followed up for more than four years to record the clinical symptoms and imaging manifestations. Er: YAG irrigation is an efficient root canal disinfection protocol with the advantages of easy operation and minimal risk, which might be applicable to the revascularization of necrotic immature permanent teeth.

Multiple Congenital Epulis: A Bombshell on the First Cry with Surgical Eviction by Erbium Laser

Multiple Congenital Epulis: A Bombshell on the First Cry with Surgical Eviction by Erbium Laser

Quantitative analysis of collagen after intense pulsed light and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser treatment on rabbit skin.

To investigate the effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) and ablative 2.940nm erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er: YAG) laser on dynamic changes in collagen by quantitative analysis of type I collagen (Col I) and type III collagen (Col III), transforming growth factor (TGF), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the dermis of rabbits. Backs of ten rabbits were divided into four treatment areas: IPL normal energy group, IPL high-energy group, erbium laser normal energy group, and erbium laser high-energy group. HE staining was performed immediately after the first treatment and two weeks after the first treatment. Col I, Col III, TGF-β1, and MMP-1 were collected by real-time PCR at baseline, 2weeks after each session, and three months after the entire treatment monthly. HE staining showed that collagen fibers in the superficial layer of the dermis in the four treatment groups were increased and thickened to different degrees. Real-time PCR showed that statistically differences were noted in each checkpoint before and after treatments in the four groups, whereas no significant difference in the change in the four biomarkers was found among the four treatment groups. Both the IPL and Er: YAG laser can effectively upregulate collagens, but in this experiment, there was no significant difference in the therapeutic effect among the four irradiation groups. Moreover, the high-energy level group tended to bring more serious epidermal injury.

Eyelid ectropion: aesthetic and functional issues

Aim to present the results of the author's treatment method for postoperative complications in the lower eyelid after blepharoplasty.&#x0D; Material and methods. Patients in the postoperative period after blepharoplasty were included in the study (n = 11). All patients had age-related changes in the skin of the upper and lower eyelids before the surgery. After surgery, the patients had a complication in the form of an inversion of the lower eyelid. In the early postoperative period (up to 6 months), all patients with ectropion underwent the author's treatment technique using an erbium laser (Er:YAG, 20940 nm).&#x0D; Results. The errors in the diagnosis and planning of the volume of surgical intervention, surgical errors are the main causes of complications after blepharoplasty affecting the function of the eye. In order to avoid the complications, it is necessary to take into account not only the degree of atrophy of the eyelid skin, but also the structural features of the eyelids and the periorbital region. The study proved that the author's method of treatment using an erbium laser (Er:YAG, 20940 nm) gives positive results. Observation of patients during 6 months after the treatment revealed no recurrence of inversion of the lower eyelids and the need for additional therapy.

Er&lt;sup&gt;3+&lt;/sup&gt;,Yb&lt;sup&gt;3+&lt;/sup&gt;:YGdSiO&lt;sub&gt;5&lt;/sub&gt; Crystal as Gain Media for Lasers Emitting in the Spectral Range of 1.5–1.6 µm

Solid-state erbium lasers, emitting in the spectral range of 1.5–1.6 µm, are of great interest for several industrial applications. Nowadays the Er:glass is the most widespread laser material for obtaining laser radiation at the wavelength near 1.5 µm. However, the maximal output powers of such lasers are restricted by hundreds of milliwatts because low thermal characteristics of the glass host. By this reason the search for new crystalline hosts doped with erbium ions is the actual task.In this article the investigation results of spectroscopic properties of Er3+,Yb3+:YGdSiO5 (YGSO) crystals are reported. Polarized absorption and luminescence spectra were measured. The lifetimes of energy levels were determined. The excited state absorption spectra were measured. It was shown that excited state absorption band does not overlap with gain band in the range 1.5–1.6 µm. The energy transfer efficiency from ytterbium to erbium ions was estimated. The stimulated emission and gain cross-section spectra for Er3+ ions in YGSO were calculated.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF WOUND HEALING FOLLOWING GINGIVECTOMY USING DIODE LASER AND ERBIUM, CHROMIUM-DOPED YTTRIUM, SCANDIUM, GALLIUM AND GARNET (Er:Cr:YSGG) LASER–IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING FIXED ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT-A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

Aim:&#x0D; The aim of the current study is to compare the healing following gingivectomy procedures using the Diode system and Er:Cr:YSGG lasers in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.&#x0D; Methodology:&#x0D; The study is a single center randomized controlled clinical study with a sample size of 40 patients who underwent gingivectomy using lasers. The patients were divided into two groups randomly (Group A= 20 and Group B= 20). Group A patients had undergone gingivectomy using diode laser (BIOLASE EPIC X,940 nm) and Group B patients had undergone gingivectomy using Er:Cr:YSGG laser (Waterlase,2780nm). The patients were followed at day3, day 7 and day 14. The wound healing was assessed post laser application using a healing index by Landry et al at different time intervals. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS software (IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 20.0, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). Independent t test was used to compare the mean healing index score between the groups. Repeated measures ANOVA and Post hoc Bonferroni test was used for comparison of mean healing index scores of Group A and B at different time periods&#x0D; Result:&#x0D; When comparing the healing index at day 3 between the groups, there was no significant difference between the diode laser and erbium laser group (P = 0.24). Similarly at day 7 and at day 14, there were no significant differences between the groups (P= 0.20), (P= 0.18) at day 7 and day 14 respectively. When comparing the healing index score of gingivectomy with diode laser between different time intervals, there was a statistically significant healing was seen at day 14 (P = 0.001). The healing at day 14 was significantly better than day 3 and day 7 in the erbium laser group (P =0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; Within study limits it is concluded that Er:Cr:YSGG lasers have better healing compared to diode lasers following laser assisted gingivectomy although the results are not statistically significant. Thus, the use of laser is an effective treatment approach in the management of orthodontic associate gingival enlargement.

Effect of Erbium, Chromium-doped: Yttrium, Scandium, Gallium and Garnet Laser Tooth Preparation on Gap Formation of Universal Adhesive Bonded to Enamel and Dentin: A Micro-CT and SEM Study.

Introduction: The presence of gaps at the bonding interface of resin composite restorations is known to have an impact on restoration longevity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of erbium, chromium-doped yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet (Er, Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation on gap formation at the tooth-resin interface and to compare the reliability of micro-computed tomography (µCT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) scans for gap formation assessment. Methods: Thirty standardized non-retentive class V cavities were prepared on sound human premolars using either an Er,Cr:YSGG laser or a round carbide bur (n=15 for each). A universal adhesive and A nano-filled resin composite were applied in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. After water storage for 24 hours at 37°C, the teeth were subjected to thermocycling. Gap formation assessments were performed by µCT (Skyscan 1173 µCT, Brucker, Belgium) and SEM (JEOL JSM-6610LV, Japan), and SPSS version 24.0 (IBM Inc., Chicago, USA) was used to analyze the data at P value<0.05. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the gap formation percentages. To compare the impact of both preparation and assessment methods, a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used. Results: In enamel, similar gap formation values were detected for the two preparation methods (bur and laser). However, the laser-prepared group showed higher gap formation values in dentin. Additionally, higher gap formation values were reported for both preparation methods when µCT was used for assessment. Conclusion: Cavity preparation using a Waterlase laser led to higher gap formation percentages at the dentin-resin interface. In addition, SEM assessment is more reliable for assessing the tooth-resin interface.

Management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in breast cancer survivors: An update.

There is increasing attention about managing the adverse effects of adjuvant therapy (Chemotherapy and anti-estrogen treatment) for breast cancer survivors (BCSs). Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), caused by decreased levels of circulating estrogen to urogenital receptors, is commonly experienced by this patients. Women receiving antiestrogen therapy, specifically aromatase inhibitors, often suffer from vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, dyspareunia, and dysuria, collectively known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), that it can in turn lead to pain, discomfort, impairment of sexual function and negatively impact on multiple domains of quality of life (QoL). The worsening of QoL in these patients due to GSM symptoms can lead to discontinuation of hormone adjuvant therapies and therefore must be addressed properly. The diagnosis of VVA is confirmed through patient-reported symptoms and gynecological examination of external structures, introitus, and vaginal mucosa. Systemic estrogen treatment is contraindicated in BCSs. In these patients, GSM may be prevented, reduced and managed in most cases but this requires early recognition and appropriate treatment, but it is normally undertreated by oncologists because of fear of cancer recurrence, specifically when considering treatment with vaginal estrogen therapy (VET) because of unknown levels of systemic absorption of estradiol. Lifestyle modifications and nonhormonal treatments (vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and gels) are the first-line treatment for GSM both in healthy women as BCSs, but when these are not effective for symptom relief, other options can be considered, such as VET, ospemifene, local androgens, intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (prasterone), or laser therapy (erbium or CO2 Laser). The present data suggest that these therapies are effective for VVA in BCSs; however, safety remains controversial and a there is a major concern with all of these treatments. We review current evidence for various nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapeutic modalities for GSM in BCSs and highlight the substantial gaps in the evidence for safe and effective therapies and the need for future research. We include recommendations for an approach to the management of GSM in women at high risk for breast cancer, women with estrogen-receptor positive breast cancers, women with triple-negative breast cancers, and women with metastatic disease.

Erbium lasers in non-surgical periodontal therapy: an umbrella review and evidence gap map analysis.

The literature on the efficacy of erbium lasers for nonsurgical periodontal therapy is inconsistent. The objective of the umbrella review was to collate the information available in the systematic reviews to provide a comprehensive synthesis of clinical and patient reported outcomes following the use of erbium lasers for non-surgical periodontal therapy. An electronic database search was carried out, and systematic reviews/meta-analyses which assessed the efficacy of erbium lasers as monotherapy or as an adjunct to scaling and root planing were included. The methodological quality and reporting quality of the included studies were assessed. 15 Systematic reviews/meta-analyses were obtained after title, abstract, and full text search. The meta-analyses data revealed a clinical attachment level gain, reduction in probing pocket depth at 1 and 3-month follow-up, and no additional benefit at ≥ 6-month follow-up in the erbium laser group. The evidence gap map revealed lack of clinical outcome data at > 6-month follow-up and dearth in studies assessing patient reported outcome measures and adverse events. Erbium lasers may provide short-term clinical benefits, and further studies with standardized laser parameters evaluating long-term follow-up, patient-reported outcome measures, and adverse events are needed.

The Er:YAG vaginal laser for management of women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).

The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of vulvovaginal erbium laser on the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and sexual function of postmenopausal women.We conducted a retrospective studyof sixty-fourpostmenopausal women with GSM, and these patients were scheduled for three times of vulvovaginal erbium laser treatment. A baseline and post-treatment vaginal status was assessed by measuring vaginal pH, patients' subjective vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) symptoms, which included dryness, dyspareunia, itching, and burning. The urinary response to treatment was assessed using ICIQ-SF, UDI-6, IIQ-7, OABSS, and POPDI-6. Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before and after vulvovaginal laser therapy. Patient follow-ups were scheduled for 12months after treatment. A total of sixty-four patients were enrolled in the study. We observed the significant improvement in the percentage of negative symptoms (dryness/dyspareunia/itching/burning) and in lower urinary tracts symptoms evaluated with ICIQ-SF, UDI-6, IIQ-7, OABSS, and POPDI-6 (P < 0.05). Patients' overall satisfaction regarding their sexual life, assessed via Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), showed significant improvement in its six domains of sexual function (P < 0.05). The pH level of vaginal secretions significantly decreased. No long-term complications were found post-treatment. The Er:YAG vaginal laser procedure is associated with a significant improvement in GSM and sexual function of postmenopausal women. Our result demonstrates that it can be a safe and efficacious treatment for patients with GSM without any serious adverse effects up to 1-year post-treatment. The long-term effects of using vulvovaginal laser in the treatment of GSM should be investigated.

Erbium laser in the debonding of ceramics: a literature review

Background: The debonding of crowns and ceramic veneers with laser is already a reality in the clinic. It presentsbenefits in comparison to traditional removal with the use of a rotating instrument; however, there is still noconsolidated protocol and many professionals use it without the necessary scientific basis. Objective: The aim ofthis work was to perform a literature review on the debonding of indirect ceramic restorations using the Er:YAGand Er,Cr:YSGG lasers to provide clinical professionals and the scientific community a careful analysis, and alsoto guiding the use of irradiation at laser for such procedures. Methods: Bibliographic searches were performed inthe following databases: Pubmed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. According to the inclusion criteria adopted,twenty-seven clinical and in vitro studies were selected in the period from 2007 to 2021. In the present work, thecomposition of the crowns and facets, as well as the types of cement and the laser irradiation protocols adoptedin the selected studies is detailed. Conclusions: It was concluded that the use of erbium lasers for debondingof indirect ceramic restorations proved to be more selective and conservative when compared to removal witha rotary diamond instrument. Furthermore, it was shown to be in more efficient in debonding different typesof ceramics. However, there are great variations in the “debonding” protocols, which emphasizes the need forfurther studies that seek to standardize the irradiation protocols considering the different clinical situations.KEYWORDSVeneers debonding; Debonding; Er,Cr:YSGG laser; Er:YAG laser; Ceramics.

Laser applications in smear layer removal from posterior root canals: A comparative study.

Aim:The aim of the study is to evaluate erbium laser efficiency in removing smear layer from mesial roots of mandibular first molars at different laser settings.Subjects and Methods:One hundred (100) mandibular first molars were selected. Ninety six (96) mesial roots were assigned to two experimental groups according to the laser wavelength applied: I. Er, Cr: YSGG and II. erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser system. Four samples were used as control group. Samples of each group were distributed into two subgroups (A and B), following specific irrigation protocol. Each subgroup was divided into four subcategories according to the applied power laser. Each subcategory consisted of six samples. Teeth were observed under scanning electron microscope.Statistical Analysis:Results were statistically analyzed with Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney test (SPSS statistics software).Results:No statistically significant difference was observed between experimental groups I and ΙΙ. However, statistically significant difference was found among subgroups IA and ΙB and ΙIA and ΙΙΒ. In every root third, groups IIA and ΙΙB had better outcomes but it was not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference among subcategories of Group I (ΙΑ1-4 and ΙΒ1-4) and Group ΙΙ (ΙΙΑ1-4 and ΙΙΒ1-4).Conclusion:Erbium laser with tested parameters did not completely remove the smear layer from the root canals. Chelating factors can contribute in the laser mechanism of smear layer removal from apical part of narrow and curved root canals.

TREATMENT OF UNDESIRABLE CONSEQUENCES AFTER AESTHETIC BLEPHAROPLASTY

The purpose of the work is to improve the results of postoperative complications of the lower eyelid after blepharoplasty.&#x0D; Materials and methods. A retrospective study of 14 patients in the postoperative period after blepharoplasty was conducted. All patients had a diagnosis: Age-related changes in the skin of the upper and lower eyelids (ptosis of the skin of the eyelids) before surgery and after surgery, patients had complications with the diagnosis: Dislocation of the lower eyelid, in the postoperative period. In the early postoperative period (up to 6 months), all patients with complications underwent non-surgical correction. Patients were divided into two groups: 1 group - traditional conservative therapy was used, including massage and administration of a glucocorticosteroid solution, 2 group - author's treatment scheme using an erbium laser (Er: YAG, 20940 nm).&#x0D; Results. A retrospective study was conducted and it was proved that the author's scheme using an erbium laser (Er: YAG, 20940 nm) gives positive treatment results. Errors in the diagnosis and planning of the volume of surgery, surgical errors, in our opinion, are the main causes of formidable complications that affect the function of the vision organ. Despite the fact that aesthetic blepharoplasty by many surgeons is considered as the simplest surgical intervention and mastered by novice surgeons in the first place, one should not forget about "pitfalls" and possible dramatic consequences, which are caused by neglect of the nuances and precision of surgical equipment, as well as errors in the diagnosis and planning of the volume of surgery.&#x0D; Conclusion. Aesthetic blepharoplasty is an operation that requires the individual approach of highly qualified specialists. To avoid the development of complications, not only the degree of atrophy of the skin of the eyelids, but also the peculiarities of the structure of the eyelids and the periorbital region should be taken into account.

Laseri u liječenju mliječnih zuba

The use of lasers in the treatment of infants and children, including patients with special needs, is considered to be effective in restor- ative procedures and soft tissue therapy. The use of different types of lasers in the therapy of individual tissues depends on the way the tissues interact with laser light and the desired effect for the purpose of treatment. Laser therapy has a positive antimicrobial effect and has a beneficial effect on enamel mineralization. Nd: YAG laser increases the resistance of enamel to demineralization which makes it a valuable therapeutic option in combination with tooth fluoridation. Lasers can be used in a wide range of vital and avital preparations of deciduous teeth pulp including pulp cuping, pulpotomy and pulpectomy. The use of lasers in dentistry is of particular importance in working with children. Lasers enable minimally invasive preparation of hard dental tissues with their preci- sion and selectivity. They also pose a lower risk of thermal tissue injuries during preparation compared to classical preparation tech- niques. Due to less contact between the therapeutic aid and tissue, pain and vibration during preparation are reduced. This achieves better patient compliance due to reduced dental anxiety and phobia in children. Greater patient comfort was achieved by the anal- gesic effect of erbium laser, due to the elimination of the need to use local anesthetics during the procedure. This paper presents a clinical study conducted on 120 patients aged 5 - 8 years. The participants were divided into two groups in which traditional pulpotomy and diode laser pulpotomy procedures were performed. The results of this study confirmed the clinical value of the use of diode lasers in pediatric and preventive dentistry.

MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF WOUND PROCESS IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY AND DESTRUCTIVE PERIODONTAL DISEASES IN CASE OF DIABETES MELLITUS

The aim of this study implied comparing the morphology of periodontal tissues in patients with diabetes mellitus following the results of surgical intervention due to inflammatory and destructive periodontal diseases. We used an erbium laser and a standard surgical method. For this, histological samples obtained from 34 patients were examined. The biopsy samples in Group 1 were studied prior to the surgical treatment of inflammatory and destructive periodontal diseases. Group 2 included histological samples of patients following surgeries employing conventional surgical techniques. Group 3 included gum biopsies obtained after surgical interventions performed with the erbium laser. The research outcomes revealed that when performed in patients with diabetes mellitus complicated with diabetic microangiopathy of the gingival mucosa, surgical curettage or a standard surgical operation with a scalpel did not lead to any significant decrease in the chronic inflammatory process. The morphological picture of the gum soft tissues in patients with Type I and II diabetes mellitus, 3 months after the treatment with the erbium laser as a cutting tool, matched the usual structure of the mucous membrane with no obvious signs of inflammation.

Study of the effectiveness of fractional laser ablation in patients with atrophic postacne scars using the quantitative scar index

Introduction. Atrophic scars are common in acne patients. Regardless of their number and size, they are persistent defects and reduce patients' quality of life. With a variety of treatment options, effective scar correction remains a challenge. Laser technology continues to evolve and is considered promising for the treatment of scars.The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the fractional laser ablation method in patients with atrophic postacne scars using the quantitative postacne scar index.Materials and methods. The study involved 60 patients with ARP of II-IV severity, 35 women and 25 men. The patients underwent fractional ablation of scars with an Erbium laser (2940 nm). To assess the scars before and after treatment, we used the post-acne scar severity index according to the quantitative assessment scale according to G.J. Goodman et al. Goodman et al. (2006). The international scales Patient's Satisfaction Score, Physician's Satisfaction Score, and Definitive Graduated Score were used to assess physician and patient satisfaction with the results of the procedures.Results. The quantitative index of postacne scars before treatment ranged from 4.0 to 16.0 points and averaged 10.9±3.56 points; median was 12.0 points (8.0±13.0 points). After fractional laser ablation procedures, improvement of quantitative indexes scores (p&lt;0.05), positive dynamics of the doctor's and patients' evaluation of procedure results were noted; no gender differences were noted.Discussion. Quantitative indices of scar expression reflect the severity of the affected skin areas in patients with postacne. This study confirms the effectiveness of fractional ablation with the Erbium laser in patients with ARP, which is confirmed by a decrease in quantitative scar severity indices. Dynamic growth of PSS, PhSS, DGS indices testifies to high satisfaction of the physician and the patient with the results of treatment and correlates with regression of clinical manifestations in these patients.Conclusion. Despite the limitations and laboriousness of counting quantitative indices of postacne scars, this approach allowed to establish and objectify the clinical efficacy of treatment of patients with ARP by fractionated ablation.

Erbium Laser for Skin Surgery: A Single-Center Twenty-Five Years’ Experience

(1) Introduction: The Erbium laser is a very versatile laser system used in dermatology. Its ability to be almost selectively absorbed by water makes it a perfect device for managing various cutaneous skin conditions. (2) Methods: In this paper, we report our twenty-five years’ experience with the Erbium laser. More than three thousand patients were treated for common skin disorders such as flat warts, seborrheic keratosis, xanthelasmas, and scars. (3) Results: A complete response was observed in 89.6%, without significant side effects. Local anesthesia was used in only a tiny percentage of patients. (4) Conclusions: This study confirms that the Erbium laser is a valuable and flexible procedure for laser surgery with excellent safety and short healing times.