Treatment of Photoaged Neck Skin with the Pulsed Erbium:YAG Laser

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Erbium (Er):YAG laser represents a new laser approach for the treatment of rhytids and photodamaged skin. Because the Er:YAG laser's 2940-nm wavelength is at the peak of water absorption, this laser produces minimal thermal damage. OBJECTIVE: To document the Er:YAG laser's efficacy in the treatment of neck rhytids. METHODS: Ten patients with neck rhytids were treated with the Er:YAG laser. All individuals were evaluated for clinical improvement, scarring, and pigmentary changes. RESULTS: All patients showed fair to excellent results with no scarring or pigmentary changes at 6 months. CONCLUSION: The Er:YAG laser may be used to improve nonfacial photodamaged skin.