Histological Comparison of Postoperative Wound Care Regimens for Laser Resurfacing in a Porcine Model

Background. The use of short‐pulsed CO2 lasers for skin resurfacing is routinely performed, but few studies have examined postsurgical care. Objective To determine which postoperative treatments are most beneficial in promoting optimal healing after laser resurfacing. Methods. Four pigs received laser resurfacing. The laser sites were randomly left untreated or treated with petroleum‐based ointment or dressed with 1 of the following occlusive dressings: hydrocolloid, hydrogel or foam. Biopsies were taken from each treatment group on Days 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, and 19. All samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Each histological slide was evaluated by a blinded investigator. Results. Differences were observed between treatment groups in the amount of cellular infiltrate, presence of necrotic tissue, progression of the epidermal sheet, maturation of the epidermis, presence of rete ridges, and appearance of new collagen. Conclusion. Postoperative treatments after laser resurfacing vary in their ability to influence the quality of healing

Laser Resurfacing: Usual and Unusual Complications

The use of the carbon dioxide laser for skin resurfacing was initially described in 1989. 1 Since that time, several reports have shown it to be highly effective in the treatment of photodamaged skin and acne scarring. 2,3,4,5 Advances in laser technology have simplified the procedure and minimized adverse sequelae. Laser skin resurfacing has become a very popular technique, and recently several patient series have been published on the use of different resurfacing lasers to treat photodamaged skin. 3,4 However, very little has been written about its complications. Adequate patient selection, sound medical judgement, proper training with experience and knowledge of skin physiology and wound care are important factors for successful outcomes. Interested physicians across a broad range of subspecialties have expressed concern about the rate of adverse outcomes and management of complications. We report seven representative cases of complications referred to our dermatology clinics from outside physicians, in the hope of educating clinicians regarding the usual and unusual side effects of this procedure