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What is facial laser resurfacing?
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021
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A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser was introduced in 1964 by Patel. In the mid-1980s, these lasers were used by some physicians to remove exophytic skin formations and limited skin resurfacing. The use of a CO2 laser with a constant wave (10600 nm) is limited by the long pulse duration, which can cause unwanted thermal damage and subsequent scarring. With the development of laser technology, high-energy laser systems with shorter pulses were developed, which are better suited for affecting the surface of the skin. One of the first published works on grinding with a pulsed CO2 laser was performed by Larry David. In 1993, Fitzpatrick reported using a CO2 laser, Ultrapulse (Coherent Medical Products), which was characterized by shorter pulses (1000 μs) than the early models of pulsed and superimpulse carbon dioxide lasers. Ultrashort pulses proved to be ideal for the removal of surface skin tumors and its resurfacing.
Initially, when describing the procedure for laser grinding with a CO2 laser, it was recommended that the treatment be continued until the treated tissues acquire a suede look. In 1995, Carniol proposed the first modification of this technique in order to reduce the number of complications and improve healing. For polishing the face, other lasers have also been developed: Silktouch and Feathertouch (Sharplan Lasers), as well as Paragon (Lasersonics). Most of these lasers can generate a pulse duration of 900 to 1000 μs. Some systems, such as Tru-Pulse (Tissue Technology), generate shorter pulses.
Many laser systems use a computerized guide generator, which allows very uniform processing of large surfaces. Recently, erbium was used to grind the skin: UAS lasers with a wavelength of 2940 nm. Usually, when erbium lasers are used in one pass, more surface ablation with a smaller postoperative erythema and a faster recovery period is obtained than with other lasers. The technology of grinding systems continues to develop, systems combining erbium and carbon dioxide lasers for simultaneous ablation and coagulation are proposed.
Other lasers, such as a pulsed dye laser Nd: YAG laser, are also used for grinding, causing a reduction in wrinkles and stimulation of collagen growth. Despite the fact that dermabrasion and chemical peeling are standard procedures for updating the face skin surface, nonlaser devices using bipolar radio frequencies are also used for grinding. These devices create plasma from a physiological solution; they act on the surface, destroying the intercellular connections, and not evaporating heat.