Evaluating facial pores and skin texture after low-energy nonablative fractional 1440-nm laser treatments

Background The fractionated nonablative 1440-nm laser creates microscopic thermal wounds within the epidermis and the dermis and is used clinically to improve tone, texture, and color of skin. Objective We sought to investigate the use of this device to treat facial pores and to improve skin texture. Methods Twenty patients received 6 treatments at the highest tolerable energy level performed 2 weeks apart. Photographic assessments using the VISIA-CR (Canfield Scientific Inc, Fairfield, NJ) imaging system were performed. The pore score was calculated, which is the percentage of the skin surface that has detected pores. Subjective measurements (0-4 scale) were recorded by both the subject and investigator regarding pore appearance, skin texture, and overall skin appearance. Treatment discomfort was scored by patients (1-10 scale). Results After 6 treatments there was a significant reduction in pore score ( P < .002). Total average pore score at baseline was 2.059 ± 0.8 and 2 weeks after the final treatment it was 1.700 ± 0.8, resulting in a 17% average reduction in pore score. Study investigators reported average scores being 1.95 ± 0.3 for improved pore appearance and 2.75 ± 0.2 for improved overall appearance (0-4 scale). Subjects noted average scores of 1.9 ± 0.5 for improvement of the appearance of pores and 2.85 ± 0.4 for improvement of overall appearance (0-4 scale). The average discomfort score during treatments was reported to be 4.6 ± 0.1 (1-10 scale). There were no serious adverse effects or long-term side effects. Limitations Small sample size and limited follow-up are study limitations. Conclusions A series of treatments with the nonablative low-energy fractional 1440-nm laser appears to be safe and effective for reducing detectable pores and improving overall skin appearance.