Laser Skin Resurfacing

Abstract

The use of lasers to reduce the effects of age and sun damage to facial skin has gained widespread acceptance (Fig. 7.1). A carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser produce controlled cutaneous exfoliation with limited damage to surrounding tissue. Their wavelengths are highly absorbed by water, the main cellular constituent. Fractioned CO₂ have mostly replaced the older full ablation CO₂ models. These lasers allow a portion of the dermis to be treated with skip areas in between. This allows more rapid reepithelialization of the skin and minimizes the duration of postoperative hyperemia. Additionally, the depth of laser penetration can be altered to treat superficial or deeper rhytides.