THE CARBON-DIOXIDE LASER - AN ALTERNATIVE FOR THE TREATMENT OF ACTINICALLY DAMAGED SKIN

BACKGROUND. The treatment of complex and diffuse actinic keratoses inv olving the face presents a problem in that they frequently recur despi te traditional treatment modalities. The carbon dioxide (GO,) laser is an effective method for resurfacing actinically damaged facial skin. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to show the usefulness of the CO2 laser for the treatment of actinically damaged skin in patients wi th proven actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the face. METHODS. In an office surgery setting, the Sharplan 1030 or 40C CO2 laser with the SilkTouch flashscanner attachment was utilized to treat various regions of the face in 14 patients. RESULTS. All patient s were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome of their laser procedures and no clinical evidence of residual or recurrent lesions have been no ted. There were no long-term complications reported. CONCLUSION. Based on this preliminary report, the CO, laser appears to be an excellent alternative for the surgical treatment of premalignant lesions of the face and can be used effectively without significant complications. (C ) 1997 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.