J Korean Soc Aesthetic Plast Surg.  2005 Sep;11(2):259-264.

Treatment of Facial Scars with CO3 Laser

• Choi JY
• Kim JH
• Hong IP

Abstract

Numerous modalities have been used to treat facial scars. Although excellent results can be obtained by high-energy, pulsed carbon dioxide(CO2) laser, significant morbidity exists due to the considerable thermal damage to the skin. CO3 Laser combines the performance of a CO2 system with the safety and convenience of an Er:YAG laser. The CO3 effect is due to a wide range of pulse durations, up to 20 times longer than those delivered by conventional Er:YAG lasers. The result is a thermally tunable laser, with a zone of thermal effect up to 100micrometer in depth. With the CO3 laser, the user chooses the correct depth of thermal effect for maximum safety and efficacy. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of the long-pulsed Er:YAG CO3 laserbrasion in treatment of scars and propose that it can be a effective method to improve cosmetic results. The authors treated 47 cases (8 males and 39 females) including acne scar(n=8), annular atrophic scar(n=9), posttraumatic scar(n=19), postsurgical scar (n=11) with CO3 laser. Questionaire were completed for clinical assessment by the patients and clinicians. Excellent and good results were achieved in 87.3% of scars in clinician's assessments and in 78.8% of scars in patient's assessments. In conclusion, resurfacing with a long-pulsed Er:YAG laser is a safe and very effective treatment modality for facial scars.

Keyword

Facial scar; Long-pulsed Er:YAG CO3 laser

MeSH Terms

Acne Vulgaris
Carbon
Cicatrix*
Humans
Male
Skin
Carbon