Laser-Dermabrasion as a Surgical Treatment for Cutaneous Scars and Wrinkles

Whang, Kyu Kwang; Lee, Hui Soo; Hahm, Jeong Hee

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Numerous modalities have been used to treat scars and wrinkles. Most of them are not satisfactory and always have some degrees of complications.
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to evaluate the effect of the combination therapy of superpulse CO2 laserbrasion and dermabrasion(laser-dermabrasion) in surgical treatment of scars and wrinkles and propose that it can be a effective method to improve cosmetic results.
METHODS
Twenty-eight patients with scars and wrinkles were treated using superpulse CO2 laserbrasion followed by dermabrasion. Questionnaires were completed for clinical assessments by the patients and clinicians.
RESULTS
The results are summarized as follows. 1. Excellent and good results were achieved in 83.3% of scars in clinician's assessments and in 79.2% of scars in patients' assessments. 2. Excellent and good results were achieved in 100% of wrinkles in both of clinician's and patients' assessments. 3. The degrees of satisfaction were highest during 6 to 12 months after laser-dermabrasion and maintained high over 12 months. 4. Minimal and tolerable complications developed in 9 patients such as focal hyperpigmentation, changes of skin texture, erythema, milium and acne flare-up.
CONCLUSION
We propose that the laser-dermabrasion would augment the effects of both laserbrasion and dermabrasion to improve cosmetic results in treatment of scars and wrinkles with minimal risks and low costs.