Efficacy and safety evaluation of an innovative CO2 laser/radiofrequency device in dermatology.

BACKGROUND CO2 laser has not only become the most widely used laser in dermatological surgical practice, but it has also proved to be highly effective in treating aesthetic imperfections. OBJECTIVE To examine the efficacy and safety of a novel fractional CO2 laser combined with a radiofrequency device in different dermatological, surgical and aesthetic fields. METHODS A total of 79 patients were treated in our Outpatient Service with a novel fractional CO2 laser combined with a bipolar radiofrequency device for a maximum of 5 months. Group A consisted of 39 patients with lesions requiring complete excision, whereas Group B consisted of 40 subjects seeking to enhance aesthetic facial imperfections. The results were assessed by three 'blind' investigators using photographs and clinical observations; in addition, the patients had to give their own subjective assessment of the results. RESULTS At the 6-month follow-up, the lesions of the Group A patients had been completely removed, except for one case of a large sebaceous nevus on the scalp. All the Group B patients showed global improvement in skin tightening, removal of fine lines and rhytides and correction of dilated pores and hyperpigmentation, with no significant side-effects and short downtimes. CONCLUSION This kind of laser meets the needs of the majority of dermatologists requiring a unique, versatile tool to remove cutaneous lesions and at the same time, safely and effectively treat skin imperfections.