RESUMO
Erythema after laser skin resurfacing is seen by many as a necessary evil in order to get good results from the procedure. A critical review of widely accepted concepts may lead to diminishing the length of postoperative erythema in patients undergoing laser resurfacing. The authors report on two previously unrecognized factors in the causation of this problem.
Assuntos
Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Dermatológicos , Eritema/etiologia , Face/cirurgia , Terapia a Laser/efeitos adversos , Envelhecimento da Pele , Eritema/patologia , Feminino , Humanos , Ritidoplastia/efeitos adversos , Ritidoplastia/métodosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The main question in the mind of a physician about to treat a Hispanic patient for facial cosmetic improvement using laser resurfacing is: How safely can I predict an even pigmentation after the procedure? Specific studies in Hispanic patients to establish the safety of laser skin resurfacing with the UltraPulse carbon dioxide laser do not exist. OBJECTIVE: To establish the degree of safety for this procedure in this patient population. METHODS: Thirty-six volunteer patients were treated for facial rhytides and acne scars. A Coherent UltraPulse 5000c carbon dioxide laser was used. The guidelines for the minimal mechanical trauma technique were followed. Monthly follow-up for 6 months was done, except in three patients. RESULTS: Cosmetic improvement was achieved in the vast majority of patients. No cases of persisting erythema, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation were seen at 90 days or at the completion of the study. CONCLUSION: This appears to be a safe procedure for this patient group following the criteria of minimizing mechanical trans-operative trauma and close follow-up as described in this paper.
Assuntos
Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Dermatológicos , Hispânico ou Latino , Terapia a Laser , Envelhecimento da Pele , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Terapia a Laser/efeitos adversos , Terapia a Laser/métodos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Transtornos da Pigmentação/etiologia , Estudos Prospectivos , RitidoplastiaRESUMO
A 74-year-old woman underwent UltraPulse laser skin resurfacing of the dorsal aspect of both hands. The procedure was done to improve chronic actinic changes for cosmetic reasons. A satisfactory cosmetic results was obtained without untoward complications. Persistent erythema was seen at the last follow-up evaluation in the hand that had two passes. Cosmetic improvement was similar in both hands. The details of the treatment laser parameters and postoperative management are the subject of this report.
Assuntos
Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Dermatológicos , Mãos/cirurgia , Terapia a Laser , Envelhecimento da Pele , Idoso , Feminino , HumanosRESUMO
A new mask (N-Terface Mask) for interpositional placement in a layered dressing was evaluated. The dressings were applied to 46 patients following facial skin resurfacing with the UltraPulse carbon dioxide laser. Remarkably low postoperative pain, rapid healing, absence of crust formation, painless removal of dressing, and excellent visualization of wound bed were observed in all patients. This dressing affords the best of both open and closed wound management after laser skin resurfacing, because the mask is removed 48 hours later. Early visualization of the wound takes place allowing the surgeon to detect potential problems early enough while taking advantage of reduced pain and increased patient comfort postoperatively typical of closed wound care.
