A prospective study of fractional scanned nonsequential carbon dioxide laser resurfacing: a clinical and histopathologic evaluation.
BACKGROUND
Although unparalleled in its efficacy, carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing has a high risk:benefit ratio. A modified device uses a novel handpiece and software to deliver nonsequential fractional ablative CO2 laser exposures.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this fractional ablative, scanned, nonsequential CO2 laser in the treatment of photo-damaged skin and to evaluate histologic and ultrastructural changes after the treatment.


METHODS
Ten subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I to III with photo-damaged facial skin underwent a single CO2 ablative laser treatment using a scanning handpiece in a nonsequential fractional mode. Clinical improvement and histologic and ultrastructrural changes were assessed.


RESULTS
All subjects completed the study with no serious or long-term complications. Blinded evaluator and subject assessment documented improvement in cutaneous photoaging. Light microscopy revealed changes consistent with a wound repair mechanism, and electron microscopy confirmed evidence of new collagen deposition.


CONCLUSIONS
Nonsequential scanned fractional CO2 laser resurfacing can lead to improvement in photo-damaged skin, accompanied by histologic and ultrastructural evidence of wound repair and subsequent new collagen formation.
Berlin
Alexander L
AL
Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of NY and NJ, New York, New York, USA.
Hussain
Mussarrat
M
Phelps
Robert
R
Goldberg
David J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003094:Collagen / Q000648:ultrastructure; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004548:Elasticity; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012867:Skin / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology; D013471:Sunburn / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D013499:Surface Properties
D003094:Collagen