title: The effects of a high glycerin content hydrogel premolded mask dressing on post-laser resurfacing wounds.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laser resurfacing for the rejuvenation of facial skin remains a popular cosmetic procedure. Postoperative care for laser resurfacing is important to optimize healing, reduce pain and minimize complications.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy of the new dressing against placebo (Vaseline® cream) after Er:YAG laser resurfacing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen patients between 45 and 72 years of age with facial wrinkles were enrolled in the study. Patients underwent full-face Er:YAG procedures. The wounds were then dressed: one side of the face was treated with Vaseline and the other with a hydrogel dressing. Erythema, edema, pigmentation, average time of re-epithelization, pain score, itching, clinical evaluation of infection, crust formation and acidity were documented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The hydrogel dressing decreased postoperative morbidity. The site treated by hydrogel showed a shorter epithelial healing time than the Vaseline site. The dressing relieved the immediate pain of facial resurfacing as well as preventing crust formation and itching.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A hydrogel dressing is a better and suitable alternative to the open technique to manage post-laser wound healing.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology, Medical Park Bahçelievler Hospital, Medical Park Bahçelievler Kültür Sokak, Bahçelievler, Istanbul, Turkey. gokhanokan8@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Gokhan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Okan
authors.forename: Marta I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Rendon
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D047070:Bandages, Hydrocolloid; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005990:Glycerol; D006801:Humans; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010858:Pigmentation; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012060:Rejuvenation; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D005990:Glycerol