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.

Objectives: This work highlights the methods used to develop a multi-pulse 1726 nm laser system combined with bulk air-cooling for selective sebaceous gland (SG) photothermolysis using thermal imaging and software algorithms. This approach enables treating to a desired tissue temperature and depth to provide a safe, effective, reproducible, and durable treatment of acne.

Methods: We designed and built a 1726 nm laser system with a 40 W maximum power output, a highly controlled air-cooling device, and a thermal camera in the handpiece, which permits real-time temperature monitoring of the epidermis.