An ultrastructural comparison of mechanical dermabrasion and carbon dioxide laser resurfacing in the minipig model.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the histological and ultrastructural changes in skin collagen with mechanical dermabrasion and pulsed carbon dioxide laser resurfacing in the minipig model.


METHODS
Academic medical center.


METHODS
Yucatan minipig animal skin model.


METHODS
Comparison of light microscopic and ultrastructural (electron microscopic) changes in the skin following the 2 resurfacing modalities.


RESULTS
No significant difference in collagen histological characteristics or ultrastructure was detected between the 2 comparison groups.


CONCLUSIONS
When mechanical dermabrasion or pulsed carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is used with similar-depth injury to the dermis in this model, the histological changes seen via light microscopy and ultrastructural changes seen via electron microscopy are similar between the 2 treatment modalities.
Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, Lexington 40536-0084, USA. jcamp1@pop.uky.edu
J P
JP
Campbell
M H
MH
Terhune
S D
SD
Shotts
R O
RO
Jones
D000818:Animals; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D003094:Collagen; D003869:Dermabrasion / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008954:Models, Biological; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D003094:Collagen