title: Cutaneous laser resurfacing.
abstract: Cutaneous resurfacing with the new generation of carbon dioxide and erbium lasers has recently come into favor for the treatment of facial rhytides, photodamage, and scarring. The precise control of these resurfacing lasers over the extent of tissue vaporization minimizes thermal damage to the skin while maximizing therapeutic efficacy. Proper use of resurfacing lasers is contingent upon a complete understanding of their clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural effects, as well as an appreciation of the principles of laser safety. An organized approach to the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of the patient undergoing laser resurfacing will be provided, including a discussion of prevention and treatment of postoperative side effects and complications. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;41:365-89.)
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants should be familiar with the clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural effects of resurfacing lasers and be able to discuss the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of patients undergoing laser resurfacing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ratner
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tse
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Marchell
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Goldman
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Fader
mesh_terms: D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D018579:Patient Selection; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology