Ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser resurfacing and facial cosmetic surgery

DB Apfelberg. Ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser resurfacing and facial cosmetic surgery. Can J Plast Surg 1995;3(3):133-136. Over 100 patients have been treated with the ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser since July 1994. The high power square wave pulse of 600 watts at less than 1 msec (which is less than the thermal relaxation time of tissue) dissipates heat during vaporization, thus producing a `cold beam' and decreasing thermal injury. Similarly, hemostatic incision may be achieved by the focus beam at short repetition rates allowing incision with simultaneous coagulation of small vessels. Seventy-four patients underwent resurfacing for rhytides and photo aging with excellent cosmetic results and no texture or pigmentary change. Facial cosmetic surgery (facelift/eyelid lift/forehead lift) was accomplished in 41 patients using the laser scalpel. Patient selection, preparation, sequence of the laserbrasion and incisional techniques are summarized.