Treatment of Acne With a 1726 nm Laser, Air Cooling, and Real-Time Temperature Monitoring, Software-Assisted Power Adjustment to Achieve a Temperature Endpoint With Selective Sebaceous Gland Photothermolysis.

Summary

A novel 1726 nm laser platform with real-time epidermal temperature monitoring and bulk air-cooling achieved selective sebaceous gland photothermolysis at depth, yielding a 71% inflammatory lesion count reduction at 3 months. Two pulsing protocols provided comparable efficacy with differing pain profiles, enabling anesthesia-sparing treatment.

Key Findings

• Multi-pulse 1726 nm delivery with bulk air-cooling selectively elevated sebaceous gland temperatures versus dermis, enabling deep photothermolysis unattainable by single pulses.
• Average inflammatory lesion count reduction of 71% at 3 months post-treatment.
• Two pulsing protocols achieved similar sebaceous gland selectivity with markedly different pain responses, reducing the need for injectable anesthesia.
• Histology confirmed deep sebaceous gland damage with preservation of epidermis and surrounding dermis.

Clinical Implications

Offers a non-systemic, anesthesia-sparing option for moderate acne with histologically confirmed sebaceous gland targeting. Real-time temperature feedback and protocol selection can individualize efficacy and comfort.

Limitations

• Nonrandomized design with unspecified sample size limits generalizability.
• Durability beyond 3 months and comparative effectiveness versus standard therapies remain unknown.

Future Directions

Conduct randomized controlled trials comparing to standard acne therapies, refine dosing by skin type/sebaceous depth, and extend follow-up to 12 months.