Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Development of a Noninvasive, Laser-Assisted Experimental Model of Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss
Published on: April 24, 2020
CO2 laser-resurfacing: increased risk of side effects after uv-exposure-an experimental animal study
Lene Hedelund1, Merete Haedersdal, Henrik Egekvist
1Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen, Denmark. LH20@bbh.hosp.dk
Background And Objectives:
Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser resurfacing is primarily performed on photodamaged facial skin where patients are further exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) postoperatively. We examined whether pre- and postoperative UVR influences the development of CO(2) laser-induced side effects.
Study Design/Materials And Methods:
Hairless mice (n = 211) were treated with a Sharplan CO(2) laser with FeatherTouch scanner. Simulated solar irradiation was administered either preoperatively or pre- and postoperatively. Skin end-points (wounds, texture changes, and pigmentary changes) were evaluated blinded by clinical evaluations, skin reflectance spectroscopy, and histological examinations.
Results:
Pre- and postoperative UVR exposed mice obtained higher clinical scores of wounds (P < 0.02) and texture changes (P < 0.01) and developed more heavy fibrosis than mice treated with laser but no UVR. UVR exposure after CO(2) laser treatment induced significant hyperpigmentation compared to unexposed control mice (P < 0.003), whereas CO(2) laser treatment itself did not induce pigmentary changes.
Conclusions:
UVR increases in an animal model the occurrence of postoperative side effects from CO(2) laser resurfacing.
