Grafting following short-pulse carbon dioxide laser de-epithelialization.

BACKGROUND

Dermabrasion followed by skin grafting has been used for treatment of depigmentation. The short pulsed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser allows removal of the epidermis but leaves necrosis on the surface of the dermis.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine if the thermal necrosis would interfere with the take of skin grafts.

METHODS

Two vitiliginous areas of skin were de-epithelialized, one by conventional dermabrasion and the other with a pulsed CO2 laser. Each area was biopsied for histologic study and grafted with a split-thickness skin graft.

RESULTS

Histologic studies of the wounds were compared. The residual tissue destruction on the dermis of each area was quite similar. The skin graft take was excellent in both areas.

CONCLUSIONS

The short pulsed CO2 laser does not cause sufficient thermal necrosis on the surface of the papillary dermis to interfere with a satisfactory skin graft take.