title: The carbon dioxide laser. An alternative for the treatment of actinically damaged skin.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The treatment of complex and diffuse actinic keratoses involving the face presents a problem in that they frequently recur despite traditional treatment modalities. The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is an effective method for resurfacing actinically damaged facial skin.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to show the usefulness of the CO2 laser for the treatment of actinically damaged skin in patients with proven actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the face.
  
  
  METHODS
  In an office surgery setting, the Sharplan 1030 or 40C CO2 laser with the SilkTouch flashscanner attachment was utilized to treat various regions of the face in 14 patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome of their laser procedures and no clinical evidence of residual or recurrent lesions have been noted. There were no long-term complications reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on this preliminary report, the CO2 laser appears to be an excellent alternative for the surgical treatment of premalignant lesions of the face and can be used effectively without significant complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Trimas
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Metz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000601:surgery; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000601:surgery*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*