Nondébridement of laser char after two carbon dioxide laser passes results in faster reepithelialization.

Abstract

Skin repair following laser injury can be accelerated by using techniques that promote rapid reepithelialization. In this article, the benefit of intraoperative nondébridement of laser debris after two laser passes is discussed. After carbon dioxide laser resurfacing of the face, skin specimens were examined using indirect immunofluorescence with antibodies to specific epidermal and basement membrane proteins. Biopsy specimens obtained immediately after resurfacing showed a greater injury to epidermal and basement membrane proteins when skin was wiped with saline-soaked gauze after laser passes than when there was no débridement after two passes. Later examination of skin specimens obtained from nine patients 2 days after carbon dioxide resurfacing showed that nondébrided, occluded skin had faster reepithelialization than the other treatments. Nondébridement of the skin at the time of resurfacing along with the use of postoperative occlusive dressings led to the rapid reestablishment of a multilayered epidermis only 2 days after resurfacing. Nondébridement along with occlusive dressings results in rapid reepithelialization of the skin after two carbon dioxide laser passes for skin rejuvenation.