Facial Plast Surg 2005; 21(2): 99-109
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-872410
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA.

Laser Treatment of Photodamaged Skin

Elizabeth F. Rostan1
  • 1Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Center of Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
28 July 2005 (online)

ABSTRACT

The market for skin rejuvenation has grown vastly during the last decade. Many new laser technologies are now available to the practitioner for the treatment of sundamage. Ablative laser techniques, while currently less popular because of associated protracted healing times and greater risk of scarring and pigmentary change, remain the gold standard in the treatment of severe sundamage, rhytides, and dermatoheliosis. Newer nonablative techniques have increased in popularity and are an effective method of skin rejuvenation for mild to moderate sundamage; however, they are of limited benefit in the treatment of more severe sundamage. New fractional photothermolysis laser technology is a promising method of rejuvenation that combines much of the efficacy of the ablative procedures with the convenience and safety of the nonablative laser procedures.

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Elizabeth F RostanM.D. 

1918 Randolph Road, Suite 580, Charlotte, NC 28207