Long-term results after CO2 laser skin resurfacing: a comparison of scanned and pulsed systems

Connective Tissue Remodeling Induced by Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing of Photodamaged Human Skin

“…Hypothesized mechanisms have included collagen contraction, physical ablation of photodamaged tissue, and neocollagenesis. 1,3,4,[13][14][15] Although clinical cutaneous rejuvenation may actually be based on a combination of these factors, we sought to examine in detail the latter aspect of laser resurfacing. Several studies have examined new collagen formation after laser resurfacing from a histologic standpoint, but, to our knowledge, there has been no prior detailed quantitative examination of the changes in collagen and several key genes involved in dermal remodeling after CO 2 laser treatment.…”

Treatment of Perioral Rhytides

“…The replicas proved difficult to use. Ross et al 13 found good correlation between replicas and clinical photographs in their study.…”

“…Collagen remodeling and wound contraction is believed to continue for at least 1 year with both resurfacing methods. Ross et al 13 showed a trend toward improvement in wrinkles between 2 months and 1 year after laser resurfacing; however, the improvement was not statistically significant. Manuskiatti et al 14 found comparable improvement in wrinkles 3 months and 2 years after laser resurfacing.…”

Comparative Clinical Trial of 2 Carbon Dioxide Resurfacing Lasers With Varying Pulse Durations

“…15 Seckel 16 found a new layer of collagen present at 1 and 2 months but not at 3 months after resurfacing, suggesting that the zone of repair is not a long-term finding. Other clinical studies 17 have found a maintained growth in the collagen repair zone. Wrinkle improvement in patients who have undergone resurfacing appears to increase between months 1 and 6, suggesting that fibroblast activity and collagen remodeling occur during this period to form a sustained band of fibrosis.…”