title: Random fractional ultrapulsed CO2 resurfacing of photodamaged facial skin: long-term evaluation.
abstract: Although numerous papers have recently been published on ablative fractional resurfacing, there is a lack of information in literature on very long-term results. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the efficacy, adverse side effects, and long-term results of a random fractional ultrapulsed CO2 laser on a large population with photodamaged facial skin. Three hundred twelve patients with facial photodamaged skin were enrolled and underwent a single full-face treatment. Six aspects of photodamaged skin were recorded using a 5 point scale at 3, 6, and 24 months after the treatment. The results were compared with a non-parametric statistical test, the Wilcoxon's exact test. Three hundred one patients completed the study. All analyzed features showed a significant statistical improvement 3 months after the procedure. Three months later all features, except for pigmentations, once again showed a significant statistical improvement. Results after 24 months were similar to those assessed 18 months before. No long-term or other serious complications were observed. From the significant number of patients analyzed, long-term results demonstrate not only how fractional ultrapulsed CO2 resurfacing can achieve good results on photodamaged facial skin but also how these results can be considered stable 2 years after the procedure.
authors.affiliation: IDE (Istituto Dermatologico Euroepo), Sezione di Laser e Chirurgia, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tretti Clementoni
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Galimberti
authors.forename: Athanasia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tourlaki
authors.forename: Maximilian
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Catenacci
authors.forename: Rosalia
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lavagno
authors.forename: Pier Luca
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Bencini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004867:Equipment Design; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000528:radiation effects; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D044465:White People