Q-switched nd: Yag laser as a strategy for skin remodeling: an experimental comparison with the thulium laser

The use of lasers in aesthetic medicine has expanded considerably, particularly for the treatment of hyperpigmentation and skin rejuvenation. High-power laser systems have gained prominence due to their ability to induce selective photothermolysis, enabling the inhibition or destruction of specific cellular targets. Among the most commonly used wavelengths, ablative and semi-ablative modalities, such as 755 nm, 1064 nm, and 1927 nm, have demonstrated effective outcomes in skin rejuvenation and the treatment of pigmentary disorders. The literature reports significant clinical effects associated with the 755 nm, 1064 nm, and 1927 nm wavelengths; however, there is still no consensus regarding the optimal energy parameters and emission modalities. Furthermore, fractional handpieces represent an innovative approach, as they fractionate light delivery and induce distinct tissue injury patterns. The Alexandrite laser (755 nm) has been extensively described in the literature for various dermatological applications; however, scientific evidence regarding the effects of a Nd:YAG laser equipped with a 755 nm filter remains limited and requires further investigation. Therefore, this experimental study compared the effects of Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) and Thulium laser (1927 nm) on porcine skin, an experimental model widely used due to its structural similarity to human skin, aiming to investigate the type of tissue injury induced by each technology. The findings demonstrated that the Nd:YAG laser produced deeper and more localized lesions, whereas the Thulium laser induced more superficial and homogeneous tissue alterations. The analysis suggests a complementary relationship between the two Nd:YAG laser wavelengths, highlighting their potential clinical application in protocols designed to improve skin quality and promote cutaneous rejuvenation.