Background and Objectives: For many years, fully ablative laser treatments, particularly those performed with a carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser, were regarded as the gold standard for resurfacing. This study’s goal is to assess the depth that can be reached by a new CO₂ scanner system, through a skin model with greater dermal thickness, to use in the treatment of deep scarring. Materials and Methods: Male human skin tissue was laser-treated using a CO₂ fractional laser and a new scanning system, and all samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, dehydrated using a series of crescent alcohol, embedded in paraffin, sectioned in series (4–5 µm thick), stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and then analysed under an optical microscope. Results: From the epidermis through the underlying papillary and reticular dermis to various depths of the dermis, microablation columns of damage and coagulated microcolumns of collagen were observed. The reticular dermis was fully penetrated up to 6 mm at higher energy levels (210 mJ/DOT), resulting in deeper tissue injury. Although the laser might penetrate further, the skin stops there, leaving just the fat and muscular tissue. Conclusions: The deep layers of the dermis can be penetrated by the CO₂ laser system throughout the entire dermal thickness when using the new scanning system, suggesting that this laser’s potential impact, at the selected settings, covers all skin targets required to perform superficial or deep treatments on any dermatological issue. Finally, patients who have problems, such as morbid scar-deep complications, which affect their quality of life, are more likely to profit from this innovative technique.

Background: Dermal fillers for soft tissue for the treatment of face sagging, volume loss, and wrinkles have become popular among patients of all ages and ethnicities, and their use is becoming increasingly widespread. Aim: the goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a micro-pulsed, 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser on dermal filler complications, in particular on granuloma management. Methods: A subcutaneous, 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser was used on five female patients (range age 52–68 years) with hyaluronic filler granulomas located on the face (two on the cheek area and three on the lips); three patients had self-injected the filler, buying it online. Before and after the therapy, the patients received a skin ultrasound to determine the form and location of the granulomas and to determine if there had been a full or partial resolution. During this study, all possible adverse effects at the treatment site were monitored. The 5-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) (0 point—no change; 1 point—25%, mild improvement; 2 points—50%, moderate improvement; 3 points—75%, good improvement; 4 points—100%, excellent improvement) was recorded at a 3-month follow-up. Results: good results were obtained in the treatment of filler granulomas with the intralesional 1444 nm laser, even if just a single treatment was performed (one intervention was effective for curing granulomas up to 5 mm in diameter). Three patients were satisfied with excellent improvement, and two patients experienced good improvement. The results are functional and aesthetically satisfying, as shown by photographic assessment. At the last follow-up, the granuloma had reduced or completely disappeared in all cases, and no infections, burns, scarring or fibrosis, episodes of severe bleeding, or other serious adverse effects had been reported. All subjects tolerated the post-treatment period well. Conclusions: Our findings showed that granuloma treatment with an intralesional 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser is a minimally invasive, easy, fast, efficient, and low-risk procedure.

Unwanted abdominal fat is a common aesthetic concern treated through various interventions, including surgical and energy-based devices, often leading to inconsistent results. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a localized, non-invasive microwave (MW) device for preferential heating of subcutaneous adipose tissue using a controlled electromagnetic field. Five female volunteers scheduled for abdominoplasty were enrolled, each undergoing a single MW treatment session five days prior to surgery. Histological analyses of adipose tissue and skin samples were conducted using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for Perilipin-1 and CD68. Epidermal and dermal layers remained unaffected, as evidenced by unaltered morphology in treated samples. In contrast, the absence of Perilipin-1 expression in disrupted fat cell membranes indicated adipocyte non-viability and irreversible injury. Inflammatory responses, including CD68-positive macrophages surrounding damaged adipocytes, were observed, suggesting the activation of the monocyte/macrophage system for the clearance of adipocyte residues. Microscopic and immunohistochemical findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the MW device in reducing subcutaneous fat. This study also discussed the underlying mechanisms involved in macrophage recruitment and the removal of adipocyte residues.

Background/Objectives: Many lasers applied in skin rejuvenation protocols show emissions with wavelengths falling in the red or near-infrared (NIR) bands. To obtain further in vitro data on the potential therapeutic benefits regarding rejuvenation, we employed a 675 nm laser wavelength on cultured human dermal fibroblasts to understand the mechanisms involved in the skin rejuvenation process’s signaling pathways by analyzing cytoskeletal proteins, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and membrane integrins. Methods: Normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) were irradiated with a 675 nm laser 24 h after seeding, and immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blotting were applied. Results: The results demonstrate that the laser treatment induces significant changes in human dermal fibroblasts, affecting cytoskeleton organization and the production and reorganization of ECM molecules. The cell response to the treatment appears to predominantly involve paxillin-mediated signaling pathways. Conclusions: These changes suggest that laser treatment can potentially improve the structure and function of skin tissue, with interesting implications for treating skin aging.

Background/Objectives: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common and often under-reported condition that significantly impacts quality of life. SUI is more than just a physical issue; it can also affect social interactions, mental health, and emotional well-being due to the embarrassment and limitations it can cause. SUI is often acquired during pregnancy and childbirth as a result of pelvic floor muscle weakness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative dual-wavelength laser system (CO₂ + 1540 nm) in SUI management. Methods: A total of 56 women affected by SUI were enrolled in this study. Half of the patients were treated with CO₂ alone, while the other half were treated with the combination of CO₂ + 1540 nm wavelengths. The patients were split into four groups based on the type of treatment they received and their menopausal status. Data were acquired at baseline and at various follow-ups (T1, T2, and T3, respectively, after the first, second, and third treatment). The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (score 0–10) was used. Cystoscopic images were acquired before and at the end of the laser treatment cycle. Results: At the end of the treatment, the patients in each group were very satisfied, on average. In each group, the treatment led to a statistically significant improvement in the SUI VAS score between baseline and follow-up after the first treatment; in both groups 3 and 4, the treatment led to a significant change in the dryness score, both from baseline to T1 (p < 0.05) and also for T2 and T3 compared to baseline. Finally, cystoscopic photos showed an evident increase in mucosa epithelial thickness after the laser treatment cycle. Conclusions: The use of a dual-wavelength laser system (CO₂ + 1540 nm) was proven to be well tolerated and safe, with promising outcomes in reducing SUI symptoms, especially in non-menopausal patients.

Dura mater repair represents a final and crucial step in neurosurgery: an inadequate dural reconstruction determines dreadful consequences that significantly increase morbidity and mortality rates. Different dural substitutes have been used with suboptimal results. To overcome this issue, in previous studies, we proposed a laser-based approach to the bonding of porcine dura mater, evidencing the feasibility of the laser-assisted procedure. In this work, we present the optimization of this approach in ex vivo experiments performed on porcine dura mater. An 810-nm continuous-wave AlGaAs (Aluminium Gallium Arsenide) diode laser was used for welding Indocyanine Green-loaded patches (ICG patches) to the dura. The ICG-loaded patches were fabricated using chitosan, a resistant, pliable and stable in the physiological environment biopolymer; moreover, their absorption peak was very close to the laser emission wavelength. Histology, thermal imaging and leak pressure tests were used to evaluate the bonding effect. We demonstrated that the application of 3 watts (W), pulsed mode (T_on 30 ms, T_off 3.5 ms) laser light induces optimal welding of the ICG patch to the dura mater, ensuring an average fluid leakage pressure of 216 ± 105 mmHg, falling within the range of physiological parameters. This study demonstrated that the thermal effect is limited and spatially confined and that the laser bonding procedure can be used to close the dura mater. Our results showed the effectiveness of this approach and encourage further experiments in in vivo models.