title: Lasers in skin resurfacing.
abstract: The development of short-pulse high-peak power and rapidly scanned focused beam carbon dioxide lasers and normal mode erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet lasers, which can remove photodamaged skin layer by layer in a precisely controlled manner while leaving behind a very narrow zone of thermal damage, has revolutionized skin rejuvenation and enhanced our ability to treat scars. This review highlights laser-tissue interactions; the laser used for resurfacing; preoperative, operative, and postoperative issues and how to choose a candidate for the procedure; uses of resurfacing; adverse effects and complications of the procedure; and new developments in the field.
authors.affiliation: Skin Care Physicians of Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Dover
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Hruza
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Arndt
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000517:prevention & control; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D007834:Lasers; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000473:pathology; D014945:Wound Healing