Use of a nanosecond Q-switched 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser for photoaging management in Asian skin: a retrospective study

Abstract

Facial wrinkles are a major concern in aesthetic dermatology, particularly in patients with darker phototypes, in whom laser treatments require careful parameter selection to minimize pigmentary adverse events. This retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of a nanosecond Q-switched 1064 nm Nd laser for the management of facial photoaging in Asian patients. Fifty Asian patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III-IV and facial wrinkles underwent three monthly treatment sessions with a Q-switched 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle and Elastosis Scale, standardized pre- and post-treatment photographs, pain Visual Analogue Scale, and adverse event monitoring. Mean Fitzpatrick Wrinkle and Elastosis Scale score significantly decreased from 4.54 ± 1.55 at baseline to 3.42 ± 0.97 at three-month follow-up after the last treatment, corresponding to a mean absolute reduction of 1.12 ± 0.75 points. Forty-one patients showed an improvement of at least one FWS point, while thirteen patients improved by two or more points. Nine patients remained stable, and no clinical worsening was observed. Treatment was well tolerated, with a mean pain score of 2.0 ± 0.78. Mild transient erythema occurred in four patients, while no cases of blistering, scarring, burns, hypopigmentation, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation were recorded. Nanosecond Q-switched 1064 nm Nd laser treatment may represent a well-tolerated option for mild-to-moderate facial photoaging in Asian skin. However, the retrospective design, lack of a control group, and absence of instrumental objective measurements should be considered when interpreting these findings.