Carbon dioxide and ER:YAG laser resurfacing. Results.
Laser resurfacing is exciting "futuristic" surgery. The CO2 laser resurfaces using different parameters from the Er:YAG laser. When the surgeon understands these parameters, each laser can be used as a powerful tool for specific clinical applications. The Er:YAG laser was initially thought to be for the patient who has minimal skin laxity, but who desires skin resurfacing and needs a speedy return to social life. The CO2 laser has typically been thought to work best for skin laxity as well as rhytids, at the price of a longer recovery period. As the hardware and techniques continue to evolve, the differences between the clinical scope addressed by each laser diminishes. Both lasers deserve a place in the plastic surgeon's armamentarium. This new combination CO2/Er:YAG technique is intriguing and deserves further in-depth investigation. Laser resurfacing is not a cureall, but, when applied appropriately, it is an excellent tool that the plastic surgeon can use for skin rejuvenation.
Jacobson
D
D
Division of Plastic Surgery, University of California Irvine Medical Center, Orange, USA.
Bass
L S
LS
VanderKam
V
V
Achauer
B M
BM
D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D007834:Lasers / Q000145:classification*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011183:Postoperative Complications