Experimental model for the long-term effects of laser resurfacing

[corrected] Evaluation of the long-term effects of the laser resurfacing on development of the skin cancer after chronic ultraviolet B light exposure calls for the development of the appropriate animal model.

The 27 C3H nu/nu nude mice were used in the experiment. Five experimental groups were designed to evaluate the effects of laser energy delivered.

Tru-Pulse(trade mark) Laser System produced char-free crust immediately after application. There was no histologic difference in laser effects on the skin between groups. Complete re-epithelialization occurred within 7 days.

An entire lifetime in this mammal model can be studied in under 2.5 years. The back skin of the mice can be resurfaced by using one pass 500 mJ/cm(2) and complete healing will occur within a 7-day period. We believe that establishment of this experimental model has set the stage for the further study of the effect of laser energy on sun-damaged skin. Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing has become an increasingly popular method of facial rejuvenation, allowing the plastic surgeon to repair sun-damaged skin and wrinkles. Results obtained by laser resurfacing seem to be long lasting. Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing brings about histologic changes in the skin. This finding raises a new question: Does carbon dioxide laser skin resurfacing modulate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure on the skin? The purpose of this study was to establish a new experimental model for studying the long-term effects of laser skin resurfacing.