Study Design/Materials and Methods:
Air cooling with no topical anesthesia was used along with total fluence ranged from 3 -4 J/cm2 using a 10mm spot with 1,000 diffractive elements per pulse. 20 subjects with mature (acne and traumatic) scars and superficial rhytides received 6 treatments at 4 week intervals and were evaluated at 6 months post the last treatment.
LONG-TERM CLINICAL TRIAL OF 1440nm COMBINED APEX PULSE ARRAY LASER FOR TREATMENT OF SCARS AND RHYTIDES
Weiss RA, Bene NI, Weiss MA, Beasley KL,
Maryland Laser, Skin and Vein Institute, Hunt Valley, Maryland
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Introduction
In order to remodel collagen for scars and rhytids, a novel system using an apex high fluence zone surrounded by low level uniform heating has been developed. The microthermal zones which are seen as apex fluence lesions are thought to stimulate collagen remodeling while low level background energy has an additive effect. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical results over one year. |
Benefits
Figure 4. Results after 3 Affirm treatments for peri-orbital rhytids
Figure 5. Results after 3 Affirm treatments for peri-orbital rhytids
A combined apex pulse approach to microthermal rejuvenation is safe, effective and relatively painless. Histologic evidence confirms the columnar nature of collagen heating using this microthermal array. Long-term (6 months) clinical follow-up indicates progressive improvement in scars and wrinkles. |
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Results
 
Figure 2. Results after 3 Affirm treatments with acne scarring
Post-auricular biopsies showed areas of thermal injury up to 300 m deep. 85% of patients showed clinical improvement, the median improvement was 2 (25-50% improvement in the appearance of their condition). Side effects were minimal and included mild post-treatment erythema and edema resolving within 12- 24 hours. Pain during treatment was rated by patients as minimal.  
Figure 3. Results after 3 Affirm treatments for peri-orbital rhytids
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