J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.
1999 May;26(3):399-406.
Experimental studies of the Surface Reducing Effect of Laser Resurfacing and Healing of Laser Punch-Out Lesions
Abstract
- An experimental study was designed to analyze the surface reduction effect of ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser on the skin of guinea pigs receiving laser resurfacing. Two squares of skin measuring 3x3 cm2 were designed on each side of the abdomen of guinea pigs(n=10). Five animals received laser resurfacing on their abdomen at energy of 250mJ/5 watt, and five other animals received 500 mJ/5 watt. On each animal, the left side square was treated with one pass of a CO2 laser, and the right side q=square was treated with two passes using a C.P.G. scanner. The size of the resurfacing area was determined by celluloid overlays at 1,2,3,4 and 6 weeks. Immediately following laser resurfacing, the area was decreased to 69%(left side) and 56%(right side) of the designed area in the 250 mJ/5 watt group, and 59% and 40% in the 500mJ/5 watt group. After 6 weeks, the resurfaced area had been reduced to 70% and 56% of the designed area in the 250mJ/5 watt group, and 60% and 40% in the 500mJ/5 watt group. As a result, the effect of surface reduction by CO2 laser resurfacing increased at a higher power and when more passes of the ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser were applied. The laser treated skin continued to maintain its contracted dimensions. These findings suggest that ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser may be an effective treatment method for rhytides. Another experiment was performed on multiple punch-out lesions on guinea pig skin(n=2) with 1,2,3 mm collimated hand pieces for the purpose of determining a new laser treatment method. After 4 weeks, on gross and histological examination, there were no differences in the healing of multiple punch-out lesions and the healing of punch-out lesions was complete without any scarring. These findings suggest that the laser punch-out method can be used for the treatment of acne scars.
