Objectives: Determine the efficacy of a 1064nm Q-switched Nd:YAG fractional laser on improving lip definition, color, and volume.
Introduction: Lips undergo several changes with age, including a decrease in volume, the upper vermilion border becomes thicker, more pallid, and less pronounced, the Cupid’s bow area and the philtrum columns become flattered and less defined, and perioral wrinkles appear. Furthermore, there is a decrease in elasticity, turgor, and collagen content. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser can increase the production of procollagen and elastin and can promote the generation of collagen.
Materials / method: 32 female patients were treated with Q-switched 1064 nm every 2-3 weeks for a total of 3-5 treatments. The entire lip area was treated by lasing continuously in-motion, accumulating up to 1kJ (5-10 passes). Initial treatment was at a fluence of 800-1200mJ/P and increased to 1200-1600 mJ/P for the second session, 1600-2000 mJ/P for the third 1800-2200mJ/P for the fourth session. Improvement was measured at a 3-month follow up visit after the final treatment by patients and physicians. Scoring using the Likert scale assessed improvement in lip color, volume, texture, and overall improvement.
Results: Patients (n=32) achieved meaningful aesthetic recognition improvement in all parameters. 94% of patients reported improvement in lip color (Likert=4 or 5 out of 5), 72% saw an increase in lip volume, 91% improved lip texture, and 82% improved overall lip appearance. Furthermore, 91% were satisfied with treatment results and 100% from the overall experience. There were no associated side effects, and the associated pain level was rated as 0 (on a 0-10 scale) in 84% of individuals and 16% as 1.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate that laser treatment using a 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG fractional laser on lips is safe, well tolerated and effective in restoring definition, color and volume to the lips.
Disclosures
Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No
Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No
Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No
Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No
This work was not supported by any direct or non direct funding. It is under the author's own responsability