CO₂ Laser Resurfacing and Skin Care for Asians

ABSTRACT

Laser resurfacing is a new and advanced rejuvenation method, and also an effective and safe modality to treat skin lesions and scars. We treated 727 patients with high power CO₂ laser (Ultrapulse) for the last two and half years at Korea University Hospital. For rejuvenation we treated with one to three passes of 250 to 300 mj on the thin areas such as the eyelids and the mandibular border, and with two to five passes of 300 to 500 mj on the thick areas of forehead, cheek, and perioral area. After resurfacing, wrinkles were improved 1 to 2 degrees and age spots were removed. For depressed scars, such as those resulting from acne or small pox, we treated with even depth resurfacing combined with the laser punch out method. Hyperpigmentation is very common in Asians, with up to 80% affected, to varying degrees, so pre-and postlaser skin care is very important to control the postlaser hyperpigmentation. Postlaser hyperpigmentation was resolved within 2 to 4 weeks, so hyperpigmentation is not an obstacle. The skin care program containing Hydroquinone, Retinoic acid, and Hydrocortisone was started at least 2 weeks before laser resurfacing. Postlaser skin care was restarted as soon as possible if a patient could tolerate it with low percentage of Retinoic acid. Patients with severe melasma or hypersensitivity to bleaching or exfoliating agents are considered as contraindications to laser resurfacing. There were 9 cases of Herpes simplex and Candidiasis infection, but they were controlled with antifungal or antiviral drugs. There was no hypertrophic scar in rejuvenation cases, but in patients with scar treatment, focal hypertrophy was noted and controlled with early treatment of steroid injection. We have concluded that CO₂ laser is a safe and effective resurfacing method for Asian patients.

Keywords

Laser resurfacing - Asian - skin care - hyperpigmentation