Wrinkles and acne scars: Ablative and nonablative facial resurfacing

Abstract

Fully ablative carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing is the traditional gold standard for the treatment of moderate-to-severe rhytides and acne scars. It offers the most dramatic results but can have extensive downtime of 2 or more weeks. The Erbium:YAG laser, Erbium:YSGG laser, and plasma skin regeneration were developed to improve photoaging and textural abnormalities without the prolonged recovery time of traditional CO2 resurfacing. Clinical efficacy is generally not as impressive; however, there are less recovery time and an improved side-effect profile. The term nonablative resurfacing encompasses a wide range of treatments aimed at tissue remodeling and skin rejuvenation. The results vary depending on the laser or light source that is used. The goal of nonablative resurfacing is to induce selective injury of the dermis while keeping the overlying epidermis intact. Nonablative resurfacing devices include infrared lasers, visible light lasers, intense pulsed light, and light-emitting diode (LED) technology. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.