title: Long-term histologic effects of the CO2 laser.
abstract: The long-term histologic effects of CO2 laser resurfacing previously were unknown. Prior investigations have clearly defined the photothermal effect. Collagen shrinkage as a reaction to increased tissue temperature between 60 and 70 degrees C has also been previously described. Twenty-two patients completed a 1-year study in which biopsy specimens from the upper lip were taken preoperatively and 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after CO2 laser resurfacing. Trichrome stains and Verhoeff-van Gieson stains were used to demonstrate tissue collagen and tissue elastin. Neocollagenesis beginning at 6 weeks and progressively increasing at 6 months and 1 year was clearly demonstrated. Neoelastogenesis showed significant increases at 6 months and 1 year. It is hypothesized that the additive effects of initial collagen shrinkage and the long-term effect of neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis are the significant factors contributing to the long-lasting and excellent results of CO2 laser skin resurfacing.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA. garyrosemd@aol.com
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Brito
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Aportella
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kapoor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D003094:Collagen; D004548:Elasticity / Q000528:radiation effects; D004817:Epidermis / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D003094:Collagen