RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Numerous modalities have been used to treat scars and wrinkles. Most of them are not satisfactory and always have some degrees of complications. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of the combination therapy of superpulse CO2 laserbrasion and dermabrasion(laser-dermabrasion) in surgical treatment of scars and wrinkles and propose that it can be a effective method to improve cosmetic results. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with scars and wrinkles were treated using superpulse CO2 laserbrasion followed by dermabrasion. Questionnaires were completed for clinical assessments by the patients and clinicians. RESULTS: The results are summarized as follows. 1. Excellent and good results were achieved in 83.3% of scars in clinician's assessments and in 79.2% of scars in patients' assessments. 2. Excellent and good results were achieved in 100% of wrinkles in both of clinician's and patients' assessments. 3. The degrees of satisfaction were highest during 6 to 12 months after laser-dermabrasion and maintained high over 12 months. 4. Minimal and tolerable complications developed in 9 patients such as focal hyperpigmentation, changes of skin texture, erythema, milium and acne flare-up. CONCLUSION: We propose that the laser-dermabrasion would augment the effects of both laserbrasion and dermabrasion to improve cosmetic results in treatment of scars and wrinkles with minimal risks and low costs.