Erbium:YAG laser skin resurfacing: a Pakistani experience.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of the erbium:YAG laser for resurfacing in type IV skin patients in Pakistan.


METHODS
Ten patients with skin type IV underwent laser skin resurfacing with an erbium:YAG laser to treat wrinkles, acne/chickenpox scars and hyperpigmentation. An evaluation was done by the treating physician and a photographic evaluation and grading was done by a blinded observer.


RESULTS
The treating physician's records show no erythema, pigmentary alteration, infection or scarring at the 3-month follow-up. The blinded observer's evaluation of the 3-month photographs showed moderate to excellent improvement in 80% of patients in their respective underlying condition.


CONCLUSIONS
The erbium:YAG laser is safe and effective in treating wrinkles, acne/chickenpox scars and hyperpigmentation in skin type IV patients.
Skintronics, Karachi, Pakistan.
Afzal
A
Lodhi
Misbah
M
Huzaira
Khalil A
KA
Khatri
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000150:complications; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000601:surgery* / Q000821:virology; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D017496:Hypopigmentation / Q000209:etiology; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015595:Skin Aging; D016896:Treatment Outcome