Ultrapulse Carbon Dioxide Laser Rejuvenation of Facial Wrinkles and Scars

Abstract

The ultrapulsed (high energy, pulsed) carbon dioxide lasers have been shown to be extremely useful for resurfacing facial wrinkles due to actinic damage as well as acne scars, linear postsurgical and posttraumatic scars, and exophytic skin lesions. These lasers have some advantages over skin peeling and dermabrasion, and may be combined with other procedures, especially endoscopic forehead-lifting, laser blepharoplasty, neck liposuction, and platysmaplasty. Since 1992, 1643 patients have been treated with the ultrapulsed carbon dioxide laser. Excellent results have been achieved in patients with fine wrinkles, exophytic skin lesions, and linear postsurgical and posttraumatic scars. Acne scarring patients achieved fair to good results. Complication rate was low.