Treatment of enlarged pores with the quasi long-pulsed versus q-switched 1064 nm Nd:Yag lasers: A split-face, comparative, controlled study

Background and Aims: A variety of treatment modalities have been used to reduce the size of en-larged pores. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, in addition to its role in removal of tattoos and age-related dyschromia, depilation and skin rejuvenation, may also play a role in reducing the size of enlarged pores. The present split-face controlled study assessed and compared the efficacy between the quasi long-pulsed (micropulsed) and the Q-switched modes of the Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of enlarged pores. Subjects and Methods: Twenty subjects with enlarged pores were recruited for the micropulsed vs Q-switched study, all treated with the same 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser system. Ten subjects were treated with the 300 μs micropulsed mode and the other ten subjects were treated with the 5 ns Q-switched mode. All subjects were treated on the right half of the face, the left half serving as an untreated control. Five laser sessions were performed. The pore sizes were measured using an image analysis program and the sebum level was measured with a Sebumeter^® before and after the treatments. Results: The pore size and sebum level significantly decreased with treatment on the treated side (right cheek and right half of nose) in both the micropulsed and Q-switched modes compared to the control side (p<0.05), but without any statistically significant difference between the modes. Conclusions: The micropulsed and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatments reduced pore size and sebum levels with more or less equal efficacy and with no adverse side effects.