Background and objective: Cosmeceuticals, chemical peels and collagen injections are used to rejuvenate skin, but none of those methods is effective or permanent. Recently, laser resurfacing has been found to be effective, but the incidence of side effects is relatively high. Last year, the non-ablative wrinkle reduction laser (N-Lite, ICN Photonics, UK) was developed, and there have been several reports about its clinical effectiveness. In this study, we have investigated ultrastructural changes elicited by N-Lite laser exposure. Material and methods: 6 adult volunteers were recruited for this study. They were treated with the N-Lite laser and a single 3-mm punch skin biopsy was obtained immediately after the irradiation, as well as 3 hours and 3 days later. These specimens were examined under an electron microscope. Results: Immediately after the laser exposure, capillary endothelial cells showed marked edema and inflamed mast cells were observed, but erythrocytes were intact. 3 hours after the laser therapy, capillary cells were stagnant and monocytes had moved out into the dermis. 3 days after the laser therapy, interstitial edema around the capillaries was observed, and elaunin fibres were also observed. Melanin granules were observed in fibroblasts and in capillaries. Conclusion: N-Lite laser irradiation leads to marked edema of endothelial cells and dermal connective tissue, although endothelial cell necrosis was not observed.
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