Treatment of atrophic facial scars with combined use of high-energy pulsed CO2 laser and Er:YAG laser: a practical guide of the laser techniques for the Er:YAG laser.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Although CO2 laser resurfacing provides substantial clinical improvement for atrophic facial scars, the CO2 laser often results in excessive thermal damage to the skin. It increases complications postoperatively. The Er:YAG laser ablates thinner layers of tissue than the CO2 laser with minimal thermal damage to the surrounding skin.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the efficacy of combined treatment of atrophic facial scars with high-energy pulsed CO2 laser and Er:YAG laser.

METHODS:

One hundred fifty-eight patients were treated with a combination of high-energy pulsed CO2 laser and Er:YAG laser for atrophic facial scars. All patients were evaluated after 3 months of treatment.

RESULTS:

The scars improved 80-89% in 65 patients, 70-79% in 56 patients, more than 90% in 32 patients, 60-69% in 2 patients, and less than 60% in 3 patients after laser treatment.

CONCLUSION:

Treatment of atrophic facial scars with combined use of high-energy pulsed CO2 laser and Er:YAG laser is a very effective and useful method.

• Authors: S I Cho, Y C Kim
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 25 Issue 12 Pg. 959-64 (Dec 1999) ISSN: 1076-0512 [Print] UNITED STATES
• PMID: 10594631 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Atrophy
• Cicatrix (surgery)
• Face
• Female
• Humans
• Laser Therapy (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Complications
• Treatment Outcome