Assessment of skin condition by the modern non-invasive methods in the process of age-related changes correction using the erbium and neodymium lasers

Abstract

The histological examination method is the «gold standard» in evaluating of age-related skin changes, however in most cases biopsy is an unacceptable option by ethical reasons. An alternative option are non-invasive diagnostic methods, in which the evaluation of changes can be carried out in real time without damaging the skin. Nowadays, such methods as high-frequency ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, laser scanning confocal microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging are used. In addition to the above-mentioned methods, it is necessary to hold a standardized clinical evaluation and determination of the physiological parameters of the skin. The evaluation of age-related skin changes of face zone and neck zone before and after the application of the combined erbium and neodymium laser exposure on the «Fotona» apparatus using the «Fotona 4D» technique has been held. There were 80 examined patients aged from 32 to 66 who, after a comprehensive clinical examination, conducted 2 procedures using the «Fotona 4D» method with an interval of 1 month. There was a significant decrease in the index of evaluation of age-related facial skin changes in the process of correction, which indicates a pronounced clinical effectiveness of the proposed technique (27 points at the screening stage and 12 points at 2 months after correction). There was also a normalization of skin moisture and an improvement in relief, reduction of pore diameter and pigmentation area. Analysis of high-frequency ultrasound data showed a statistically significant increase in skin thickness, mainly due to the dermis.