Fractional ablative [CO.sub.2] laser displays safety and efficacy: FDA approval for photodamage expected.(Dermatologic Surgery) (Article)

Fractional ablative [CO.sub.2] laser displays safety and efficacy: FDA approval for photodamage expected.(Dermatologic Surgery) (Article)
Thomson Gale
May 2007
Published in: Skin & Allergy News
Issue Number: 5
Volume Number: 38
Date Published: 01 May 2007
Language: English
Word Count: 905
Price: EURƒ 75.00

GRAPEVINE, TEX. -- A new skin-resurfacing laser that applies fractional beam splitting to an ablative carbon dioxide laser is safe and effective for the treatment of photodamage and acne scarring on the face and neck, according to the results of two studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

In a series of 58 patients, two treatments with this laser led to improvements in photodamage or in acne scarring with no pigment changes or scarring after up to 9 months, Dr. Elizabeth K. Hale said. The series that she reported included detailed data on 15 patients who underwent resurfacing on the face or face and neck for photodamage and 15 other patients who had face or face-and-neck resurfacing for acne scarring.

Results from a second series of 30 patients were reported by Dr. Zakia Rahman, a dermatologist at Stanford (Calif.) University, and her associates. Dr. Rahman has received consulting fees from, and is a stockholder with, Reliant, manufacturer of the fractional [CO.sub.2] laser.

The new ablative laser is "...