Ablative CO2 Laser Resurfacing Research Articles

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON EFFECTIVENESS OF CO2 LASER + MICRONEEDLING AND CO2 LASERIN PATIENTS WITHACNE SCARS

Introduction: Acne is one of the most common disorders. Quite often, acne results in scar formation due to the preceding inflammation causing either loss or gain of tissue. Ablative CO2 laser resurfacing and microneedling are proven effective modalities for the treatment of acne scarring. However, one out of two techniques is done exclusively in a patient. In the present study we have compared the sequential usage of CO2 laser + Microneedling Versus Only CO2 laser. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients were recruited for the study. 25 patients with moderate-to-severe acne scars underwent one sitting of fractional CO2 laser, followed by Microneedling after 3 weeks to follow the same sequence making total of four sittings over 6 months, while other 25 patients underwent total of four fractional CO2 laser sittings within a gap of 3 weeks each. Outcomes were based on GoodmanÂ’s Qualitative and Quantitative assessment. Results: Acne scarring improved significantly in all the 50 patients. Mean scar scores decreased to 9.05% as compared to 58.52% before treatment, decreasing by a mean of 49.47% in Group A, while in Group B, the mean scar scores decreased to 7.45% as compared to 30.20%, decreasing by a mean of 22.75%. Based on quantitative assessment of after treatment reduction of Acne Scars Comparing Group A and Group B. Very good reduction of acne scars was found in 2 (8%) patients in the Group A whereas in the Group B none of the patients had found the very good reduction. Good reduction of Acne scars was found to be in 12 patients (48%) in the Group A, whereas in the Group B was found in the 3 patients (12%), moderate reduction was found in the 10 patients (40%) in the Group A whereas in the group B had found in the 15patients (60%). It was found to be statistically significant association (P value= 0.001). This infers, maximum good reduction was found to be in association with the Group A than Group B. In the Group A, all the 25 patients presented with erythema, edema, needle impression and all the 25 patients in the Group B presented with the erythema respectively Conclusion: The use of combination therapy of CO2 laser + Microneedling and CO2 laser is more efficacious than CO2 laser alone. This combination present with more or less similar side effects as compared to monotherapy.

Comparison of Sequential CO2 Laser and Dermaroller versus CO2 Laser Alone in the Treatment of Acne Scarring

Background: Ablative CO2 laser resurfacing and dermaroller are proven effective modalities for the treatment of acne scarring. However, one out of two techniques is done exclusively in a patient. We have compared the sequential fractional CO2 laser and dermaroller in one group of patients, while the other group was subjected to exclusive fractional CO2 laser treatment. Materials and Methods: A total of 28 patients were recruited for the study. Fourteen patients (aged 21–35 years) with moderate-to-severe acne scars underwent one sitting of fractional CO2 laser, followed by dermaroller after 6 weeks to follow the same sequence making total of four sittings over 6 months, while other 14 patients (aged 21–36 years) underwent total of four fractional CO2 laser sittings within a gap of 6 weeks each. Outcomes were based on scar severity scores as described by Lipper and Perez and patients' subjective ratings. Results: Acne scarring improved significantly in all 28 patients. Mean scar severity scores decreased to 34.3% as compared to 80.7% before treatment, decreasing by a mean of 56.9% in Group A, while in Group B, the mean scar severity scores decreased to 40.5% as compared to 76.3%, decreasing by a mean of 46.9%. Mean patients' subjective score was recorded as 2, which represents a good improvement (25%–50%) in Group A, while it was recorded as 1, representing mild improvement (0%–25%) in Group B. Conclusions: Successfully combining fractional CO2 laser with dermaroller constitutes a safe and extremely effective treatment modality for acne scarring.

Effect of melanocyte keratinocyte transplantation procedure, using ablative CO2 laser and followed by NB-UVB phototherapy, on the expression of E-Cadherin and matrix metalloproteinase-2 in acral vitiligo: an immunohistochemical study

Background Melanocyte keratinocyte transplantation procedure (MKTP) is a multi-procedural intervention that could hypothetically alter the environment surrounding grafted epidermal cells, helping melanocytes’ migration and adherence to keratinocytes in their basal position. Objective To evaluate the effect of MKTP in acral vitiligo skin prepared by total ablative CO2 laser resurfacing and followed by narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy on matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and E-Cadherin expression and the reflection of these changes on repigmentation. Patients and methods Acral lesions in 20 stable nonsegmental vitiligo patients were prepared by full CO2 ablation down to the papillary dermis followed by MKTP and NB-UVB sessions. Two 4 mm punch biopsies were taken: the first at baseline and the second after the onset of repigmentation or after 6 months of phototherapy if no repigmentation occurred. Immunohistochemical staining for evaluation of E-Cadherin and MMP2 expression was performed. Results Eight patients (40%) achieved repigmentation ranging from 10 to 90% with a median of 62.5%. E-Cadherin intensity was significantly increased after treatment (P Conclusion MKTP with recipient site prepared by full CO2 laser ablation followed by NB-UVB phototherapy increased the expression of E-Cadherin and MMP2 in acral vitiliginous skin. The increase of dermal MMP2 could play a favorable role in repigmentation.

Accelerated wound healing with a dexpanthenol-containing ointment after fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing of photo-damaged skin in a randomized prospective clinical trial

Background: Laser therapy with an ablative CO2 laser is a prominent treatment option for photo-damaged skin. The healing process and therefore the success of a laser can be supported by an appropriate postoperative treatment of the laser-treated skin.Objective: The effect of a dexpanthenol-containing ointment with petroleum jelly on wound healing after fractional ablative CO2 laser therapy of photo-damaged skin.Methods: A total of 38 patients with photo-damaged skin received fractional ablative CO2 laser treatment. Occlusive wound care was conducted for a period of 7 days. The complete wound area was divided into two sections: one that was treated with a dexpanthenol-containing ointment and a section that was treated with petroleum jelly. This study had three primary outcome measures: (1) Overview images as well as dermatoscopic images of the laser treated skin were taken immediately after laser treatment and on days 1, 2, 5 and 14 (study visits). Dermatoscopic images were analysed to determine changes of the diameter of the individual lesions between the study visits. (2) Wound-healing rate was visually assessed, based on the measure of re-epithelialization. (3) Cosmetic results were evaluated during study visits by patients and physicians applying a visual analogue scale (VAS).Results: Measuring the diameter of laser-generated lesions revealed a significantly faster cure of the lesions in wound sections that were treated with the dexpanthenol-containing ointment on days 1 and 2, in comparison to the lesions that were treated with petroleum jelly. Concordantly, visual evaluation of the wounds revealed significantly better cosmetic results and re-epithelialization on days 1, 2 and 5 after laser treatment in wound sites that were treated with the dexpanthenol-containing ointment. All patients exhibited a completed wound healing on day 14 after laser treatment.Conclusion: In this comparative study, post-operative treatment of laser-treated skin with a dexpanthenol-containing ointment led to a significantly faster wound closure in comparison to petroleum jelly, especially during the early phase of wound healing. Moreover, assessment of the cosmetic result exhibited beneficial effects of the dexpanthenol-containing ointment in the post-operative wound care after laser treatment. These results emphasize that the use of a dexpanthenol-containing ointment in the post-operative phase following CO2 laser therapy could be a promising alternative to the routinely used treatment with petroleum jelly.

Molecular Effects of Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing on Photodamaged Human Skin

To elucidate the sequential changes in protein expression that play a role in the clinically beneficial results seen with fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing of the face and neck. Nine healthy volunteers were recruited for participation from the senior author's facial plastic surgery practice. After informed consent was obtained, each volunteer underwent a 2-mm punch biopsy from a discrete area of infra-auricular neck skin prior to laser treatment. Patients then immediately underwent laser resurfacing of photodamaged face and neck skin at a minimal dose (30 W for 0.1 second) with the Pixel Perfect fractional CO2 laser. On completion of the treatment, another biopsy specimen was taken adjacent to the first site. Additional biopsy specimens were subsequently taken from adjacent skin at 2 of 3 time points (day 7, day 14, or day 21). RNA was extracted from the specimens, and reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and protein microarray analysis were performed. Comparisons were then made between time points using pairwise comparison testing. We found statistically significant changes in the gene expression of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The data demonstrate a consistent up-regulation of MMPs 1, 3, 9, and 13, all of which have been previously reported for fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing. There was also a statistically significant increase in MMP-10 and MMP-11 levels in this data set. This study suggests that the molecular mechanisms of action are similar for both fractional and fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing.

Fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing improves a thermal burn scar

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and VenereologyVolume 23, Issue 11 p. 1340-1341 Fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing improves a thermal burn scar M Hædersdal, Corresponding Author M HædersdalCorrespondence: M Hædersdal. E-mail:mhaedersdal@dadlnet.dkSearch for more papers by this author M Hædersdal, Corresponding Author M HædersdalCorrespondence: M Hædersdal. E-mail:mhaedersdal@dadlnet.dkSearch for more papers by this author First published: 08 October 2009 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03215.xCitations: 39Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume23, Issue11November 2009Pages 1340-1341 RelatedInformation

Scarring and persistent erythema after fractionated ablative CO 2 laser resurfacing

The adverse affects of traditional CO2 laser resurfacing have been well reported including scarring and hypopigmentation. With the advent of new technology, continuous research and development of new devices are being conducted to minimize these side effects, yet provide substantial results. The fractionated CO2 laser is a recently available product. The authors encountered a case of a 55-year-old female who presented 9 days posttreatment with a fractionated ablative CO2 laser resurfacing with similar side effects as seen with traditional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing.