Laser-Assisted Drug Delivery

Abstract

Absorption of topical products through the epidermis is limited by the skin's barrier function. Numerous techniques and agents such as microneedling, dermabrasion, radiofrequency, and lasers have been used to increase penetration within an approach known as transdermal drug delivery. One of these techniques is laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD), which often uses ablative fractional lasers (CO₂ or erbium:YAG lasers) because of their capacity to produce microscopic ablated channels. The parameters in LADD need to be adjusted to the patient, the skin condition and its location, and the drug. LADD has been used with various topical products, such as corticosteroids, photosensitizers, and immunotherapy agents (imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil) to treat numerous conditions, including scars, nonmelanoma skin cancer, and photodamage. LADD is a promising technique that enhances the absorption of topical molecules while adding the synergic effect of the laser.

Keywords: Ablative fractional laser; CO(2) laser; Cicatrices hipertróficas; Hypertrophic scars; Keloid scars; Laser-assisted drug delivery; Láser CO(2); Láser fraccional ablativo; Queloides; Vehiculización de fármacos asistida por láser.