Carbon dioxide laser skin resurfacing

Numerous modalities have been used to achieve facial rejuvenation. The carbon dioxide laser is an instrument long familiar to the soft tissue surgeon that has recently been adapted for use in facial rejuvenation. The laser achieves this goal by ablating the epidermis and superficial dermis, while producing a limited amount of thermal damage in the underlying dermis. Actinic damage and certain forms of dyspigmentation and scarring may be improved or eliminated, and skin tone is improved. Although portions of the face may be treated in certain situations, the best aesthetic results are generally achieved with full-face treatment. Clinical results are excellent, but both patient and physician must anticipate a 12 to 16 week period of erythema in the treated region. Early complications including infection, hyperpigmentation, and scarring have been recognized for several years, but late complications such as significant hypopigmentation have been recognized more recently.