Ablative laser resurfacing (CO2)

Abstract

Ablative carbon dioxide laser targets water in the epidermis and dermis as a chromophore causing their destruction. Thermal injury to the dermis promotes collagen remodeling and theoretically skin "tightening." New epidermal cells are regenerated from the pluripotent epithelial cells of the hair follicles. Unlike fractionated CO2 laser therapy, the patient requires only a single treatment; however, postoperative management is more involved and extended.