TY - JOUR
T1 - Photobiomodulation with non-thermal lasers
T2 - Mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses in dermatology and aesthetic medicine
AU - Nestor, Mark
AU - Andriessen, Anneke
AU - Berman, Brian
AU - Katz, Bruce E.
AU - Gilbert, Dore
AU - Goldberg, David J.
AU - Gold, Michael H.
AU - Kirsner, Robert
AU - Lorenc, Paul Z.
PY - 2017/5/19
Y1 - 2017/5/19
N2 - Background: Non-thermal laser therapy in dermatology, is a growing field in medical technology by which therapeutic effects are achieved by exposing tissues to specific wavelengths of light. Objectives: The purpose of this review was to gain a better understanding of the science behind non-thermal laser and the evidence supporting its use in dermatology. Methods: A group of dermatologists and surgeons recently convened to review the evidence supporting the use of non-thermal laser for body sculpting, improving the appearance of cellulite, and treating onychomycosis. Results: The use of non-thermal laser for body sculpting is supported by three randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled studies (N = 161), one prospective open-label study (N = 54), and two retrospective studies (N = 775). Non-thermal laser application for improving the appearance of cellulite is supported by one randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study (N = 38). The use of non-thermal laser for the treatment of onychomycosis is supported by an analysis of three non-randomized, open-label studies demonstrating clinical improvement of nails (N = 292). Conclusions: Non-thermal laser is steadily moving into mainstream medical practice, such as dermatology. Although present studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of non-thermal laser for body sculpting, cellulite reduction and onychomycosis treatment, studies demonstrating the efficacy of non-thermal laser as a stand-alone procedure are still inadequate.
AB - Background: Non-thermal laser therapy in dermatology, is a growing field in medical technology by which therapeutic effects are achieved by exposing tissues to specific wavelengths of light. Objectives: The purpose of this review was to gain a better understanding of the science behind non-thermal laser and the evidence supporting its use in dermatology. Methods: A group of dermatologists and surgeons recently convened to review the evidence supporting the use of non-thermal laser for body sculpting, improving the appearance of cellulite, and treating onychomycosis. Results: The use of non-thermal laser for body sculpting is supported by three randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled studies (N = 161), one prospective open-label study (N = 54), and two retrospective studies (N = 775). Non-thermal laser application for improving the appearance of cellulite is supported by one randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study (N = 38). The use of non-thermal laser for the treatment of onychomycosis is supported by an analysis of three non-randomized, open-label studies demonstrating clinical improvement of nails (N = 292). Conclusions: Non-thermal laser is steadily moving into mainstream medical practice, such as dermatology. Although present studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of non-thermal laser for body sculpting, cellulite reduction and onychomycosis treatment, studies demonstrating the efficacy of non-thermal laser as a stand-alone procedure are still inadequate.
KW - acne
KW - aesthetic dermatology
KW - body sculpting
KW - consensus panel
KW - low-level light therapy
KW - Non-thermal laser therapy
KW - onychomycosis
KW - photobiomodulation
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U2 - 10.1080/14764172.2017.1293828
DO - 10.1080/14764172.2017.1293828
M3 - Review article
C2 - 28328287
AN - SCOPUS:85021144444
VL - 19
SP - 190
EP - 198
JO - Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy
JF - Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy
SN - 1476-4172
IS - 4
ER -