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Semin Plast Surg 2001; 15(2): 49-60
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-17570
Focus on Technique

© 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Incisional Laser Surgery

Christopher D. Prevel1 , Brian S. Biesman2
  • 1Dept. of Plastic Surgery, University of South Florida School of Medicine, Tampa, FL
  • 2Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Nashville, TN
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Publication History

Publication Date:
05 October 2001 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Soft tissue laser incisional surgery is a relatively recent discipline within the field of surgical instrumentation. Although lasers were first used to create soft tissue incisions in humans some 40 years ago, the greatest advances in the development of a practical instrument have been made in the last decade. The goal of the ideal Incisional device is to minimize local tissue trauma and promote rapid and uneventful wound healing while simultaneously providing for superb hemostasis in the surgical field. Currently, no laser meets these lofty goals, but recent developments have brought us closer to an efficacious surgical instrument. This article explores the use of lasers in soft tissue Incisional surgery from an historical perspective and discusses current applications and limitations of available technology. A discussion of developing technologies is also provided.

Keywords

Incisional surgery - CO2 laser - monopolar electrocautery