Experimental model for the long-term effects of laser resurfacing

Background and Objective: Evaluation of the longterm effects of the laser r esurfacing on development of the skin cancer after chronic ultraviolet B li ght exposure calls for the development of the appropriate animal model. Study Design/Materials and Methods: The 27 C3H nu/nu nude mice were used in the experiment. Five experimental groups were designed to evaluate the eff ects of laser energy delivered. Results: Tru-Pulse(TM) Laser System produced char-free crust immediately af ter application. There was no histologic difference in laser effects on the skin between groups. Complete re-epithelialization occurred within 7 days. Conclusion: An entire lifetime in this mammal model can be studied in under 2.5 years. The back skin of the mice can be resurfaced by using one pass 5 00 mJ/cm(2) and complete healing will occur within a 7-day period. We belie ve that establishment of this experimental model has set the stage for the further study of the effect of laser energy on sun-damaged skin. Carbon dio xide laser resurfacing has become an increasingly popular method of facial rejuvenation, allowing the plastic surgeon to repair sun-damaged skin and w rinkles. Results obtained by laser resurfacing seem to be long lasting. Car bon dioxide laser resurfacing brings about histologic changes in the skin. This finding raises a new question: Does carbon dioxide laser skin resurfac ing modulate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure on the skin? Th e purpose of this study was to establish a new experimental model for study ing the long-term effects of laser skin resurfacing.