title: Laser resurfacing of the face.
abstract: Pulsed mode carbon dioxide laser allows precise ablation of fine facial tissue while minimizing thermal damage to the skin. Changes in the structure of dermal collagen may account for the overall tightening effect observed. Preoperative preparation of the skin is important to prevent postoperative pigment changes. Prophylactic antivirals are used to reduce the risk of Herpes infection. The carbon dioxide laser produces pain when applied to the skin and various anesthetic techniques may be used. After lasing, the face can be dressed with occlusive dressings or left open. Sunscreens are required after reepithelization.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, University of California Irvine Medical Center, Orange, USA.
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: VanderKam
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Achauer
mesh_terms: D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*