Long-term results of carbon dioxide laser resurfacing of the face.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of, and the complications associated with, carbon dioxide laser treatment of rhytidosis and solar aging. METHODS This retrospective report describes our experience with 47 patients who underwent entire facial carbon dioxide laser resurfacing. RESULTS The mean improvement in facial rhytid score at long-term follow-up was 45%. This improvement was consistent in all facial subsites. With the exception of 1 case of hyperpigmentation, which resolved within 2 years of treatment, hypopigmentation was the only long-term adverse effect. This complication was present in 6 patients (13%). The patients who developed hypopigmentation were more likely to have a greater response to treatment. CONCLUSION Our findings show that carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is a safe and effective treatment for facial rhytids.