Long-term efficacy of carbon dioxide laser resurfacing for facial actinic keratosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and long-term effectiveness of carbon dioxide laser resurfacing in the treatment of patients with facial actinic keratosis.


METHODS
A retrospective chart analysis was conducted of 31 patients who underwent full face carbon dioxide laser resurfacing for facial actinic keratosis from July 1998 to November 2002.


RESULTS
Of 31 patients, 18 (58%) were free of lesions at their longest visit. The average actinic keratosis free period, excluding 2 deceased patients, was 27.4 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is an effective tool in the management of patients with facial actinic keratosis.
Sherry
Steven D
SD
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Parkland Memorial Hospital, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75201, USA. sherryomfs@hotmail.com
Miles
Brett A
BA
Finn
Richard A
RA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D002245:Carbon Dioxide