title: Laser resurfacing pearls.
abstract: Ablative skin resurfacing using the carbon dioxide laser was long considered the gold standard for treatment of photoaging, acne scars, and rhytids. However, conventional full-face carbon dioxide resurfacing is associated with significant risk of side effects and a prolonged postoperative recovery period. Fractional resurfacing has recently revolutionized laser surgery by offering close to comparable results with minimal side effects and a more rapid recovery. Although fractional devices have grown in popularity, and have essentially replaced traditional resurfacing, fractional resurfacing can still be a challenging modality to control precisely due to hardware variations across comparable devices, the range of settings that can be used, and patient-specific considerations. Certain precautions and rules of thumb can reduce the risk associated with fractional resurfacing, and increase the likelihood of a good outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Murad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alam
keywords: ablative; fractional lasers; nonablative; skin resurfacing
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