Non-ablative 1540 fractional laser: how far could it help injection lipolysis and dermal fillers in lower-face rejuvenation? A randomized controlled trial.

[BACKGROUND] Rejuvenation of the lower face can be challenging and no single modality can accomplish all its complex events.

[PATIENTS AND METHODS] This 18-month study included 24 female patients with a primary complaint of lower-face aging signs. They were randomly allocated to either Group A, who received injection lipolysis and hyaluronic acid dermal filler, or Group B who in addition received non-ablative 1540 fractional laser. The improvement evaluation score used was the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS). Patient's satisfaction level was also recorded. Both were repeated at Months 6, 13 and 18.

[RESULTS] At all evaluations, laser group showed higher degree of improvement. Interestingly, at short-term evaluation (6 month), there was no significant difference between both groups (P > 0.05). However, the laser group improvement in comparison to the other group became significant in the long-term evaluations (13 and 18 months) (P < 0.05).

[CONCLUSION] This study further documents the importance of combination therapy in facial rejuvenation, offering a treatment protocol combining injection lipolysis and hyaluronic acid as an effective, safe, short-term therapeutic option in lower-face rejuvenation. The addition of 1540 non-ablative fractional laser to the protocol offers a higher efficacy with longer-term effects and no adverse events.