Postoperative Care following CO2 Laser Resurfacing: Avoiding Pitfalls

Abstract

Facial skin resurfacing using the carbon dioxide laser has become an increasingly popular procedure. Improvements in carbon dioxide laser technology have made the procedure simpler and more reliable. However, difficulties in the postoperative period can lead to patient morbidity and physician anxiety. Common problems such as prolonged erythema, hyperpigmentation, acne, milia, dermatitis, and infection can be controlled or avoided with proper postoperative care. Less common sequela such as hypertrophic scarring and prolonged healing are often a results of errors committed in the postoperative period. The authors have performed laser resurfacing in almost 2100 patients in the last 4 years. Changes in the postoperative regimen to include no pretreatment, use of semipermeable dressings, antiviral and antibacterial prophylaxis, and early treatment with sunscreens and bleaching agents have made for a smoother recovery with more predictable results.

Treatment of Upper Lip Wrinkles: A Comparison of 950 μsec Dwell Time Carbon Dioxide Laser with Unoccluded Baker’s Phenol Chemical Peel

“…17 It is unclear, however, if prophylaxis is needed for resurfacing procedures involving single cosmetic units of the face. 17 It is unclear, however, if prophylaxis is needed for resurfacing procedures involving single cosmetic units of the face.…”

Treatment of Upper Lip Wrinkles: A Comparison of the 950 μsec Dwell Time Carbon Dioxide Laser to Manual Tumescent Dermabrasion

“…Weinstein et al 27 suggested that removal of the epidermis alters the normal barrier function of the skin. Weinstein et al 27 suggested that removal of the epidermis alters the normal barrier function of the skin.…”

2 Wound Healing

“…17,29,45 Clinical evidence supports the use of such dressings after carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser skin resurfacing. 46,47 Topical medications are commonly utilized for abraded wounds and after wound closures. Eaglestein and Mertz noted the effect of various medications on the relative rate of healing.…”