Abstract
By utilizing resurfacing lasers, physicians can significantly improve the appearance
of sun-damaged skin, scars, and more. The carbon dioxide and erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet
lasers were the first ablative resurfacing lasers to offer impressive results although
these earlier treatments were associated with significant downtime. Later, nonablative
resurfacing lasers such as the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser proved effective,
after a series of treatments with less downtime, but with more modest results. The
theory of fractional photothermolysis has revolutionized resurfacing laser technology
by increasing the safety profile of the devices while delivering clinical efficacy.
A review of the histologic and molecular consequences of the resurfacing laser–tissue
interaction allows for a better understanding of the devices and their clinical effects.
Keywords
resurfacing - laser - histology - ablative - nonablative
