An update on fractional picosecond laser treatment: histology and clinical applications

Abstract

Picosecond lasers have a very short pulse duration and a high peak power density. When fractional optical delivery systems are attached to picosecond lasers, they generate an array of concentrated microspots with a high fluence surrounded by areas with a low fluence. This article discusses the histologic characteristics and clinical applications of fractional picosecond laser treatment. Fractional picosecond laser produces laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB) and laser-induced cavitation (LIC) in the epidermis and dermis respectively, and can encourage skin regeneration and dermal remodeling. It has been shown that fractional picosecond laser has a positive effect on facial photoaging, enlarged facial pores, dyspigmentation, wrinkles, and atrophic scars. Further research is still needed to confirm the benefits of fractional picosecond lasers.

Keywords: Clinical applications; Fractional optical delivery systems; Histologic characteristics; Picosecond laser.

Fig. 1

A Photo of a patient with facial photoaging; b 7 months after one fractional picosecond laser treatment (wavelength 755 nm, focus mode, energy 0.71 J/cm2, frequency 10 Hz, spot size 6 mm)

Fig. 2

A Photo of a patient with enlarged facial pores; b 2 months after one fractional picosecond laser treatment (wavelength 755 nm, energy 0.4 J/cm.², frequency 5 Hz, spot size 8 mm)