Overview
The Ultrapulse CO2 laser was used to treat sun-damaged skin, wrinkles and some skin lesions. The authors report their results in 100 patients with moderate or severe photodamage. Patients had 2 to 6 weeks of skin preparation before treatment and were graded before and after, with skin surface replicas analyzed by computer in some.
Findings
- 100 patients with moderate or severe photodamage.
- Pretreatment skin regimen for 2 to 6 weeks before laser treatment.
- At 1 month: moderate improvement in 68, marked improvement in 5, minimal improvement in 27.
- At 2 months: 20 of the 27 with minimal improvement at 1 month showed moderate to marked improvement from baseline.
- All patients had temporary redness lasting up to 6 weeks.
- Many had temporary darkening of the skin lasting up to 4 months.
- Skin surface replicas were analyzed by computer in selected patients; the abstract gives no results from this analysis.
What it means for a patient
- CO2 laser resurfacing improved sun-damaged skin in most patients, and some improved more between the first and second month.
- Expect redness for up to 6 weeks, and possibly darker patches for up to 4 months.
- Skin preparation for several weeks before treatment was part of the protocol.
- This is a case series without a comparison group, and the abstract reports only 2 months of follow-up.
Why this paper matters
It reported results and temporary side effects of the Ultrapulse CO2 laser in 100 patients with photodamage. The authors conclude it is an effective treatment for resurfacing sun-damaged skin. Cited 167 times (NIH iCite, 2026-09-25).
Terms
- CO2 laser resurfacing: a laser treatment that removes thin layers of skin so new skin grows.
- Photodamage: skin damage from sun exposure, such as wrinkles and uneven color.
- Rhytides: wrinkles.
- Erythema: redness of the skin.
- Hyperpigmentation: darkening of the skin.
- Skin surface replica: a mold of the skin surface used to measure texture.
- Baseline: the condition before treatment.