Nonablative treatment of rhytids with intense pulsed light

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and complication rate of a nonablative nonlaser light source in the treatment of rhytids, Laser resurfacing, in the treatment of facial rhytids, has involved ablative methods, with their associated complications and limitations. Rhytid improvement requires dermal collagen remodeling. Interest has begun to focus on the use of wavelengths that preserve the epidermis but deliver enough energy to promote rhytid improvement. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Thirty subjects with class I-II rhytids and Fitzpatrick skin types I-II were treated with up to four treatments with an intense pulsed light source. Subjects were evaluated 6 months after the final treatment. Results: Twenty-five subjects showed some improvement in the quality of skin. No subjects were found to have total resolution of rhytids. Conclusion: Nonlaser intense pulsed light may effectively improve some facial rhytids. Such improvement can occur without epidermal ablation. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.