INITIAL CLINICAL-EVALUATION OF THE NOVASCAN CARBON-DIOXIDE LASER HANDPIECE

BACKGROUND. This report summarizes an institutional review board-appro ved 6-month study with the NovaPulse carbon dioxide (CO2) laser utiliz ing the NovaScan handpiece in facial skin resurfacing applications. OB JECTIVE. This study comprised the initial clinical evaluation (pre-FDA approval) of this device. METHODS. A total of 54 patients underwent 5 6 laser procedures: 36 full face and 20 regional procedures. RESULTS. Following healing, there was a 91% satisfaction rate. The mean laser-o n times were: full face, 27 min; perioral, 7 min; periorbital, 3 min; glabellar, 2.5 min; scar, 5 min; and epidermal lesions, 6 min. CONCLUS IONS. The NovaScan CO2 laser handpiece is a safe tool for skin resurfa cing. In its initial use over a 6-month period there were no device-re lated complications. (C) 1998 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.