Ewha Med J.  1990 Dec;13(4):419-429. 10.12771/emj.1990.13.4.419.

CO2 Laser Treatment of Dermatologic Lesions: Therapeutic Effects in the Cutaneous Pigmented and Vascular Lesions

• Choi HM

• KMID: 2170857
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12771/emj.1990.13.4.419

Abstract

Carbon dioxide(CO2) laser is the the most commonly used laser in the treatment of cutaneous disorders of the skin. CO2 laser emits invisible far-infrared radiation of 10,600nm wavelength. This radiation is totally absorbed in a depth of only 0.1~0.2mm of water. Cutaneous tissue has a similar coffficient of absorption since it is 85~90% water. The internal scatter of the laser beam in water is minimal. These two factors, low penetration and minimal scatter, make the CO2 laser a highly localized tissue-destructive modality. This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic effect and complication of the CO2 laser on the cutaneous pigmented and vascular lesions. The data of the 110 patients who were treated between October, 1987 and March, 1989 and could be followed up over 3 months at the Department of Dermatology. Ewha Womans University Hospital were analyzed. Patients were treated with Pfizer Laser System Model 20-C CO2 laser. The power ranges were between 2 and 10W using continuous wave accrding to the size and the shape of the lesions. The CO2 laser was more effective modality in the treatment of the pgmented lesions. especially lentigenes and solar lentigo than cutaneous vascular lesions. In the cutaneous vascular lesions, CO2 laser was effective for rosacea and senile angioma.

MeSH Terms

Absorption
Carbon
Dermatology
Female
Hemangioma
Humans
Lasers, Gas*
Lentigo
Rosacea
Skin
Water
Carbon
Water