Extended applications of the carbon dioxide laser for skin deepithelialization.

The efficacy of the carbon dioxide laser for skin deepithelialization in humans was initially demonstrated using reduction mammaplasty as a clinical model. Twenty-two additional successful cases including use of this technique as an adjunct for other flap transpositions and overgrafting of skin grafts are described. These results document a role for the carbon dioxide laser in skin deepithelialization, where it provides an advantage when rigid skin immobilization is impossible or if there would be a risk to underlying structures if more conventional approaches were used.