title: Fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing of rhytides and photoageing: a prospective study using profilometric analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Results of profilometric skin analyses after fractional ablative skin resurfacing are not only important for evaluating the efficacy of this therapy but are also relevant for physicians practising laser and aesthetic skin therapy. Currently, objective measurements of wrinkle reduction after fractional CO2 laser resurfacing are scarce, and it remains unclear whether the various facial areas respond differently to this therapy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To measure wrinkle parameters, the homogeneity of melanin distribution and skin roughness in four facial areas (periorbital, perioral, forehead, cheeks) before and after three fractional CO2 laser treatments.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five women were analysed with regard to wrinkle parameters and mottled pigmentation on the face. We measured wrinkle size, depth and width and the homogeneity of melanin distribution and skin roughness in four facial areas before and after three fractional CO2 laser treatments. Additionally, the investigators rated clinical improvement using five-point grading scales.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Wrinkles were significantly reduced in all facial areas, and the best results for wrinkle size and depth were found for the cheeks (-58·3%, P = 0·018 and -51·3%, P = 0·018) and the periorbital area (-35·1%, P < 0·001 and -31·1%, P = 0·001, respectively). The percentage improvements of rhytides evaluated by the investigators were mostly similar to those found from in vivo measurements. The homogeneity of melanin distribution in the skin was improved by 21·4% on the cheeks (P = 0·012) and by 24·0% in the periorbital area (P < 0·001). Clinical investigators rated the improvement of mottled pigmentation considerably higher (51-75%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After a serial treatment with the fractional CO2 laser, we measured considerably varying wrinkle reduction depending on the area of the face, and the best results were found for the cheeks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kohl
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Meierhöfer
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koller
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zeman
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Klein
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Hohenleutner
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Landthaler
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hohenleutner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome