Full-face laser resurfacing and rhytidectomy

The Ultrapulse CO2 laser (Coherent Inc., Pale Alto, CA, USA) was used in 23 9 patients, from March 1996 to July 1998, for full-face laser resurfacing. In 106 (43%) of these patients rhytidectomy was performed in the same proce dure. All patients submitted to laser resurfacing were prepared for 1 to 2 months beforehand with retinoic acid and hydroquinone. The procedures were done under local anesthesia controlled by an anesthesiologist. A clear film dressing impregnated with silicone gel (Silon TSR; Bio-Med Sciences, Bethl ehem, PA, USA) was used for 6 to 7 days and complete healing was observed i n 7 to 10 days. Complications were exclusively dermatologic, without relati on to surgery. No necrosis of the cutaneous flap was observed. Skin biopsie s of 10 consecutive patients undergoing the combined procedures revealed no vascular impairment to the dermis. The patients were able to resume their activities 2 weeks after the procedure.