Clinical application of CO(2) diamond-blade laser scalpel

The diamond-blade laser scalpel is described as a peerless cutting instrument. As a simultaneous cautery instrument, it seals vessels up to 1.5 mm, making it ideal for surgery in the head/neck and hand areas but of no particular advantage in breast augmentation or reduction or in abdominoplasty. The author discusses his experiences in developing this blade for plastic surgery application and evaluating it for longevity, thermal damage, and wound healing. (Aesthetic Surg J 2001;21:283-285.).