Prospective evaluation of a 675-nm laser for facial rejuvenation in Fitzpatrick skin types III–V

Abstract

The 675-nm fractional, non-ablative laser has emerged as a promising modality for facial rejuvenation; however, evidence in darker skin phototypes remains limited. This prospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a 675-nm laser for facial photorejuvenation in individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types (FSTs) III–V. Twenty participants with mild-to-moderate photoaging underwent three monthly treatment sessions using sequential Moveo and Standard modes. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the final treatment using three-dimensional skin analysis with the Antera^® system, skin elasticity measurements with the Cutometer^®, blinded photographic evaluations using the Modified Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale (MFWS) and Global Subjective Skin-Aging Assessment (GS2A2), and patient- and physician- reported satisfaction scores. Safety and pain were recorded at each treatment session. The wrinkle indentation index showed a significant reduction at 6 months compared with baseline (p = 0.0101). Pigmentation values decreased significantly at 1 month (p = 0.0015) and remained reduced at 3 and 6 months (p = 0.045 and p = 0.0156, respectively). Gross elasticity (R2) and net elasticity (R5) increased significantly from 1 month after the first treatment and remained elevated through the 6-month follow-up (all p < 0.05). Blinded assessments demonstrated mean MFWS score reductions of 25%, 31%, and 31% at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment, respectively (all p < 0.001), accompanied by significant improvements in GS2A2 scores. Patient-reported satisfaction increased progressively, with more than 70% of participants reporting at least 50% improvement by the third treatment session, sustained through 6 months. Physician global assessments paralleled these findings, with more than 80% of participants graded as having at least 50% improvement at the final follow-up. Treatments were well-tolerated, with minimal pain (visual analogue scale: 0.25 ± 0.86 for Moveo mode and 1.83 ± 1.95 for Standard mode). No cases of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or long-term adverse events were observed within the study cohort during the follow-up period. These findings suggest that fractional non-ablative 675-nm laser treatment is associated with significant and sustained improvements in wrinkles, skin elasticity, and pigmentation in individuals with FSTs III–V, with minimal downtime or favorable safety profile. Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry: TCTR20250123001; Registration date: 14 January 2024.