Effects of Intense Pulsed Light and the 1,064 nm Nd:YAG Laser on Sun-Damaged Human Skin: Histologic and Immunohistochemical Analysis

Abstract

Both the IPL and 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser-induced heat activation of superficial dermal dendritic cells resulted in deposition of collagen in the papillary dermis without evident morphologic damage to the epidermis or dermis.

Semi-Quantitative Histological Analysis of the Effect of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Carbon Dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) Intradermic Injection on Fibroblast and Collagen Proliferation in the Skin of Wistar Rats

“…A recent study evaluated the action of IPL on stimulating the proliferation of collagen in human skin damaged by sun and concluded that, in addition to collagen deposition, the clinical improvement observed after treatment may be secondary to the reduction of perifolicullar inflammatory infiltrate [4,8]. Other reports indicate some degree of the appearance of newly formed collagen in the upper dermis after IPL treatment, thus suggesting the possibility that stimulated dermal fibroblasts are the source of this increased collagen expression [6,29].…”

“…It is possible to experimentally evaluate the histological effects of intense pulsed light and the intradermal injection of CO 2 into skin [2, 4,5,8]. Therefore, in the present study, our aim was to evaluate the effect of IPL and intradermic CO 2 injection on fibroblast proliferation and collagen in the skin of female Wistar rats.…”

“…The treatments typically are repeated monthly, and at least four sessions are necessary to obtain efficient results [4,5,8] .…”

“…As people age, there is a reduction of the carrying capacity of the skin and subsequent atrophy and loss of elasticity secondary to the reduction in collagen production [1,2]. Various proposed techniques for the rejuvenation of skin involve increasing the proliferation of collagen via laser-based methods, pulsed light and intradermal injection of CO 2 [3,4].…”

Laser vaccine adjuvants

“…It is well established that skin injury such as scarification or burn can enhance immune responses 40 and lasers can be used to induce such injuries to the skin. 39,[41][42][43] A number of investigators have explored the immune-stimulating effects of thermally-destructive lasers in treating cancer 44,45 and a recent review has been published covering this approach. 46 In addition, fractional laser devices used to enhance delivery of drugs and vaccines have been examined for their ability to alter immunologic responses in the skin to vaccines and immunotherapies.…”