Skin resurfacing of fine to deep rhytides using a char-free carbon dioxide laser in 47 patients.

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in carbon dioxide (CO2) laser technology have resulted in the development of lasers that can precisely remove thin layers of skin with minimal thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. These lasers rely on rapid pulsing or scanning of the laser beam. The effects of these lasers are predictable and reproducible, making them ideal for skin resurfacing. Clinical results have been promising, however, to date, no published series exist.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and side effect profile of laser resurfacing utilizing a CO2 laser with a scanning device, and make recommendations for patient selection and treatment protocol.

METHODS: Patients with perioral, periorbital, and glabellar rhytides were treated with a CO2 laser with a scanning device. Utilizing chart review and photographic evaluation, patients treated between November 1994 and April 1995 were retrospectively evaluated for effectiveness of therapy, healing time, and complication rates.

RESULTS: A total of 47 patients were evaluated. Photographic evaluation or chart review revealed good to excellent cosmetic results in all anatomic areas studied. All patients experienced posttreatment erythema lasting 1-6 months. Other minor complications were limited to contact dermatitis to topical preparations, transient postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and milia formation. One patient experienced a primary herpes simplex virus infection during reepithelialization and required intravenous therapy. Minor focal atrophy was seen in one patient. No hypertrophic scarring or permanent pigmentation changes were seen.

CONCLUSIONS: A CO2 laser system with a scanning beam can effectively and safely improve or remove glabellar, perioral, and periorbital rhytides.