Histological comparison of postoperative wound care regimens for laser resurfacing in a porcine model

BACKGROUND. The use of short-pulsed CO2 lasers for skin resurfacing is rout inely performed, but few studies have examined postsurgical care. OBJECTIVE. TO determine which postoperative treatments are most beneficial in promoting optimal healing after laser resurfacing. METHODS. Four pigs received laser resurfacing. The laser sites were randoml y left untreated or treated with petroleum-based ointment or dressed with 1 of the following occlusive dressings: hydrocolloid, hydrogel or foam. Biop sies were taken from each treatment group on Days 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, and 19 . All samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Each histological sl ide was evaluated by a blinded investigator. RESULTS. Differences were observed between treatment groups in the amount o f cellular infiltrate, presence of necrotic tissue, progression of the epid ermal sheet, maturation of the epidermis, presence of rete ridges, and appe arance of new collagen. CONCLUSION. Postoperative treatments after laser resurfacing vary in their ability to influence the quality of healing.