Facial resurfacing using a high-energy, short-pulse carbon dioxide laser.

Facial skin resurfacing is now possible using short-pulse, high-energy carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. The laser utilized in this particular paper is the Ultra-pulse CO2 laser. The Ultra-pulse laser represents the first CO2 laser able to vaporize tissue in a single pulse with the use of a large spot size. This laser utilizes the principles of selective photothermolysis. The high-power pulses are completed in less than the thermal relaxation time of skin, estimated to be less than 1 millisecond. This translates into rapid vaporization of tissue with little heat conduction to surrounding tissues. It also should allow a reproducibility of results between practitioners with set parameters not possible with previous CO2 lasers. Clinically, this laser is useful for the removal of skin lesions, and the resurfacing of areas of sun damage, wrinkles and scars. The immediate haemostasis and excellent visibility allows for precise vaporization of abnormal tissue. Rapid and pain-free wound healing is usual. The complication rate would appear to compare very favourably with dermabrasion and chemical peeling techniques.