Histological comparison of two different fractional photothermolysis devices operating at 1,550 nm.

BACKGROUND: There are a wide variety of fractional resurfacing devices that are available and it is important to understand the tissue effect of different devices at different parameters to ensure a well-controlled treatment. Thus, we have chosen to characterize and compare two different fractional laser devices, the Fraxel SR750 and SR1500 (re:store) (Solta Medical, Hayward, CA). While the SR750 has a fixed focus spot diameter, the SR1500 features an internally controlled zoom optic allowing for an adjustable spot size.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Exposures were performed in vitro on human skin samples at 37 degrees C. The exposures were performed for the SR750 at pulse energies between 6 and 40 mJ at 125 MTZ/cm(2) with up to 20 passes, and for the SR1500 between 6 and 100 mJ, at Treatment Level 7 and 8 passes. The skin samples then were processed for serial frozen sectioning, stained with Nitro-Blue-Tetrazolium-Chloride (NBTC) and lesion depth and width was determined.

RESULTS: Mean lesion depth was significantly greater for lesions treated with the SR1500 laser compared to the SR750 at pulse energies of 6, 10, 30, and 40 mJ (P<0.001) with a borderline difference at 20 mJ. Mean lesion width was comparable for energies up to 20 mJ and relatively increased for the SR1500 for higher energies. The depth-to-width ratio (DWR) was in general higher for the SR1500, reaching significance at 6, 10, and 40 mJ.

CONCLUSION: We have characterized the lesion depth and width for the for two different Fractional Photothermolysis devices (SR750 vs. SR1500). The device with the adjustable spot size (SR1500 or Fraxel re:store) provides generally deeper lesions at the same energy level. It remains to be shown whether increased lesion depth improves efficacy for certain clinical applications.