Selective photothermolysis with a novel 1726 nm laser beam: A safe and effective solution for acne vulgaris

Abstract

Background Selective photothermolysis on sebaceous glands is an effective method for treating acne vulgaris (AV); however, safety, efficacy, and discomfort hinder its utilization in clinical settings. Aims The primary objective is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel 1726 nm laser with contact cooling to treat AV. Methods Seventeen patients aged 18 to 36 were enrolled and treated in this IRB‐approved, single‐center, open‐label study. Patients received up to three facial laser sessions up to seven weeks apart. Follow‐up visits happened ten days post‐session and at the 4 and 12 weeks following the final session. The investigator assessed the severity of device‐related adverse events (AEs). Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) and inflammatory lesion counts (ILC) were used as metrics to evaluate acne resolution and skin condition enhancement. Patients' perspectives on satisfaction and comfort using this technology were assessed using Subject Experience Questionnaires (SEQ). Results Safety assessment showed mild and transient AEs. All subjects tolerated anesthetics‐free treatments well, with a mean treatment discomfort score of 4.9 ± 1.5. Compared to baseline, a statistically significant reduction in ILC (p = 0.003) of 52% to 56% is achieved four to twelve weeks following treatment. Long‐term follow‐ups showed progressive improvement 24 months post‐treatment with a 97% reduction in ILC. SEQs revealed high subject satisfaction (71%) with psychosocial improvement three months post‐treatment. Conclusion The novel 1726 nm laser appears safe and effective for treating mild‐to‐severe acne. Acne resolution is apparent within the first month and progresses beyond the study duration.

Treatment of mild to severe acne with 1726 nm laser: A safe alternative to traditional acne therapies

“…There were no differences in discomfort levels by skin type, with median discomfort levels rated as 5.0–5.1 (0–10 scale) 43 . The results of this report that led to FDA approval are similar to those published by Goldberg et al in 2022 44 . In a study of 17 patients, statistically significant reductions in inflammatory lesions were seen beginning 4 weeks after treatment.…”

“…The 1726 nm laser may have a similar long‐term effect on sebaceous glands as does isotretinoin. Both treatments have histological data that show a marked decrease in the size, shape, and lipid content of sebaceous glands in human skin after treatment 44 . However long‐term follow‐up of patients treated with 1726 nm laser compared to those treated with oral isotretinoin may provide conclusive evidence.…”

“…Improvement continued well beyond the initial study. Subjects who continued follow‐up showed progressive improvement, with a 97% reduction in inflammatory lesion counts at 2 years 44 …”

Treatment of acne in the aesthetic patient: A round table update

“…A clinical trial assessed a novel 1726 nm laser with contact cooling 80 to treat acne vulgaris 81 . A significant 52%–56% reduction in baseline ILC was achieved 4–12 weeks following treatment.…”

“…All subjects tolerated treated without anesthetics. Safety assessments showed mild and transient AEs 81 . Another 1726 nm laser which has compressed air cooling 82 also targets sebaceous glands to treat acne by correlating surface temperature to dermal temperature and sebaceous gland temperature 83 …”