Rejuvenation of the aging chest: a review and our experience

Abstract

Background: Photo-damaged skin of the chest is characterized by skin laxity, lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, erythema, tactile roughness, atrophy, and telangiectasias.

Study design: A Medline search was performed on rejuvenation of the chest from 1960 to 2010. Practical applications to these procedures are also provided.

Results: Chest-based reports of injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), botulinum toxin, sclerotherapy, and chemical peels, along with lasers and light therapies such as intense pulsed light (IPL), photodynamic therapy (PDT), nonablative fractionated lasers, and ablative fractionated lasers were identified.

Conclusion: Review of the literature revealed that options for minimally invasive treatment options for rejuvenation of the skin of the chest include injectable PLLA, botulinum toxin, sclerotherapy, and chemical peels, along with lasers and light therapies such as IPL, PDT, and nonablative fractionated lasers. For more dramatic results, ablative fractional lasers can be safely used, although longer healing times and potential adverse effects are to be expected. Adverse events are often due to the thinness of the dermis and epidermis and the lower concentration of pilosebaceous units. If treatments are tailored to the skin of the chest, the incidence of adverse events is lower, and patients can be safely treated.