SHORT-PULSE CARBON-DIOXIDE LASER RESURFACING IN THE TREATMENT OF RHYTIDES AND SCARS - A CLINICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY

BACKGROUND. Previous studies have shown the efficacy of short-pulse ca rbon dioxide (CO2) lasers in the treatment of rhytides and scars. To d ate, there have been few studies examining the histological aspects of these treatments. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to perform a prospective clinical and histopathological study of CO2 laser resur facing for improvement of facial rhytides and scars. METHODS. A total of 23 patients were studied. Clinical improvement teas evaluated both pre- and postoperatively using photographs and optical profilometry. S kin biopsies of rhytides were also obtained. RESULTS. Postoperatively, rhytides and scars both demonstrated significant increases in clinica l improvement scores. Results from optical profilometry studies reflec ted these results. Skin biopsies from rhytides posttreatment demonstra ted increases in collagen layer thickness. Improvement was sustained a s late as 1 year following treatment. CONCLUSIONS. Histopathological s tudies suggest improvement of rhytides and scars by CO2 laser resurfac ing may be attributed to new collagen formation following treatment. ( C) 1998 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.