A Novel Microablative Device: Histologic Study of Selective Digital Dosing and Preliminary Clinical Outcomes

Recently, several ablative and nonablative devices have been used for skin rejuvenation which results in collagen remodeling. Traditional ablative devices may be effective for rhytides, but require a long recovery time. Nonablative devices, while offering minimal patient downtime have only delivered modest results.

New software has been developed for a 10,600 nm laser. This new software enables this device to deliver precise multi-spot ablation to selective portions of the skin. An ex-vivo histologic dosimetry study was performed as well as preliminary clinical testing to determine the proper parameters for future clinical studies.

This study consisted of two research criteria. The first criterion evaluated different laser energy doses on 47 consecutive samples of skin. The doses ranged from 5mJ to 200mJ. The width and depth of the ablated “column” was measured as well as the surrounding width and depth of necrosis.

The second criterion compared the effects of doses ranging from 5mJ to 20mJ on the arms of selected volunteers. These evaluations were recorded immediately after the firing of the laser; at one hour; one day and four days.

The depth and diameter of the ablated columns correlated in a linear fashion with the dose. The column depth could be directly controlled and ranged from 180 to 1378 microns, depending on the dose level. Despite the wide range of dosing parameters, the column diameter was tightly confined and only ranged from 34-106 microns with most of column diameters being in the 50-70 micron range. Necrosis depth ranged from 27-213 microns. Necrosis width was extremely confined and ranged only from 19-55 microns. Histologically, the ablated columns produced by 5mJ and 10mJ pulses reached the mid- to deep-dermis; columns only penetrated to the fat at the highest dose (200mJ). On doses of 5, 10, and 20 mJ, the resultant skin erythema and edema was evident at 1-2 days, but the mild to moderate erythema faded by the fourth day. There were no cases of necrosis.

Utilizing histologic evaluation, it is a novel carbon dioxide based microablation device can produce selective digital injury to dermal collagen using very low energy levels. The collateral necrosis is very limited. Preliminary clinical evaluation using low energy doses demonstrates mild to moderate erythema that fades at four days. These findings will be used to determine the dosing for future clinical studies.

Human Skin
5 mJ

Human Skin
2 Pulsesx 10 mJ

Human Skin
100 mJ