Long-term results of upper lips treated for rhytides with carbon dioxide laser

Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing has been widely reported as an effective method for smoothing facial rhytides. However, limited series have been published describing the long-term results. This retrospective study was undertaken to assess the long-term aesthetic results of upper lips treated for rhytides with the SilkTouch carbon dioxide laser (Sharplan Lasers, Inc., Warwick, R.I.).

The results of 35 patients were reviewed and evaluated, including patient demographics, skin type, laser pass data, laser parameters, and long-term aesthetic results and complications. Aesthetic results were graded by independent reviewers using a standardized photographic rhytide scale, and all patient satisfaction rates were evaluated by means of a five-point visual analogue scale.

Rhytides were almost completely ablated at 3-month follow-up. A persistence of approximately 81 percent of the rhytide reduction was shown at a follow-up period of 2.1 to 6.3 years (average, 4.5 years). Most of the patients would undergo the procedure again and would recommend it to their friends. The only drawback and main long-term complication was the high rate of hypopigmentation (57.1 percent).

This study clearly demonstrates that laser resurfacing with the SilkTouch carbon dioxide laser is a highly effective treatment of rhytides of the upper lip that will last for a long time, but there is a high rate of hypopigmentation.