Electrosurgical skin resurfacing: A new bipolar instrument

BACKGROUND. Numerous modalities may be used for skin resurfacing, including chemical peels, dermabrasion, and lasers. Each of these methods is associa ted with significant disadvantages. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of these initial studies was to determine the effica cy and safety of a new electrosurgical resurfacing system. Depth of cutaneo us injury was also evaluated. METHODS. Postoperative scar resurfacing was performed on six patients in th e initial feasibility study. Patients were evaluated with questionnaires, p hysician observations, and photographs. The histologic investigation evalua ted depth of injury after resurfacing at various power settings and number of passes. RESULTS. Appearance of postoperative scars in all 6 patients was improved b y electrosurgical resurfacing. The overall injury, residual thermal damage plus ablation, for all power levels and passes was 114.1 mu m (mean) with a standard deviation of 60.7 mu m. ONCLUSION. Electrosurgical resurfacing may become an effective and safe alt ernative to current resurfacing modalities.