Ablative Fractional Lasers Versus Needle-Based Devices for Poly- l -Lactic Acid Delivery: An Optical Coherence Tomography and Histology Study.
Summary
In ex vivo full-thickness human skin, ablative fractional lasers enabled significant PLLA uptake visualized by real-time OCT and confirmed histologically, whereas microneedle RF and microneedles showed minimal uptake. CO2 laser channels supported deeper delivery (120–240 μm) and DFG laser more superficial delivery (0–120 μm), indicating channel geometry can tune vertical distribution.
Key Findings
- Real-time OCT showed PLLA particles descending into channels created by AFLs, but not by MNRF or microneedles.
- Histology confirmed PLLA uptake in up to 80.3% of CO2 laser channels and 61.9% of DFG laser channels versus minimal uptake with MNRF (1.4%) and MN (0.7%).
- CO2 laser achieved deeper delivery (120–240 μm), whereas DFG laser provided more superficial delivery (0–120 μm).
Clinical Implications
For aesthetic dermatology, AFLs may be preferred for topical PLLA delivery, with CO2 vs DFG selection based on desired depth. Clinical protocols should await in vivo retention and remodeling data.
Why It Matters
Demonstrates a mechanistically grounded, device-specific strategy for topical PLLA delivery, potentially shifting practice away from needle-based approaches toward laser-assisted delivery with tunable depth.
Limitations
- Ex vivo study; in vivo retention, safety, and clinical remodeling outcomes remain unknown.
- Single-tissue source and limited channel parameter space may constrain generalizability.
Future Directions
Conduct in vivo trials to quantify PLLA retention, remodeling outcomes, and safety; optimize laser parameters and particle formulations for targeted depth delivery.
Study Information
- Study Type
- Case series
- Research Domain
- Treatment
- Evidence Level
- V - Ex vivo mechanistic experimental study without clinical outcomes.
- Study Design
- OTHER