Erbium:YAG laser as a method of deepithelization in corrective and reductive breast surgery

Deepithelization of the breast in breast ptosis surgery is important, being associated with risks which could affect the clinical outcome. The role of Er:YAG laser deepithelization was investigated. A total of 12 bilateral mammoplasties were performed, randomly assigned to 2 groups, one of experienced and one of less-experienced surgeons. Results were compared between the 2 groups of surgeons for scalpel deepithelization on one breast and the Er:YAG laser on the contralateral breast. No complications; less edema, pain, and erythema; and quicker wound healing were observed in the laser-deepithelized breasts, with a shorter operation time even for the less-experienced surgeons. The authors do not suggest that the Er:YAG laser should replace the scalpel in the hands of the expert surgeon for breast deepithelization in breast ptosis surgery, but the results of the study suggest that Er:YAG laser ablation is a safe, precise, effective and complication-free method.