A new system for skin resurfacing: Preliminary clinical and histologic reports

Abstract

Background: CO2 laser and erbium laser skin resurfacing techniques have gained considerable popularity in recent years. However, long-term results have demonstrated unexpected complications, including prolonged erythema and scarring. In response to these problems, many physicians have turned to systems, such as the combined CO2 -erbium laser system, that seem to demonstrate fewer and less severe complications. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Visage Coblation, a new system for skin resurfacing that is based on bipolar electro coagulation technology and was originally developed for use in arthroscopic surgery. Methods: Twenty-three patients were treated with the Visage Coblation system from December 1998 to January 1999 using varying voltage and number of passes. Clinical results were evaluated postoperatively at 2 weeks and 1, 4, and 6 months. A histologic study was then performed on 4 samples of human tissue that had been treated with varying voltage and number of passes. The samples were harvested 2 hours after treatment so that the beginning of the inflammatory response in the surrounding tissues could be observed. Results: Among the 23 patients treated in the clinical study, there were no major complications and recovery was relatively brief and comfortable. Aesthetic results were highly satisfactory in most patients, with improvement of fine and deep rhytids. The results demonstrated in the histologic study were similar to those seen with CO2-erbium laser systems, with complete exfoliation of the epidermis and a thin layer of coagulative collagen necrosis. Conclusions: Although further investigation with longer-term follow-up is necessary, the Visage Coblation system may represent a new direction in the treatment of skin rejuvenation. Copyright © 1999 by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc.