Quantification of skin elasticity changes associated with pulsed carbon dioxide laser skin resurfacing.

BACKGROUND

While skin resurfacing using pulsed carbon dioxide lasers appears to have a skin-tightening effect clinically, the debate continues over its actual effects on dermal collagen.

OBJECTIVES

To provide quantitative measures of skin elasticity changes associated with pulsed carbon dioxide laser skin resurfacing and to introduce to the facial plastic surgery community the Cutometer SEM 575 skin elasticity meter, an instrument that is useful in the measurement of skin elasticity.

SETTING

University-based facial plastic surgery clinic and wound healing laboratory.

DESIGN

Intervention.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measurements taken prior to and 6 months after procedure.

SUBJECTS AND INTERVENTION: Thirty-two patients undergoing pulsed carbon dioxide full-face laser skin resurfacing participated. There were 12 test sites measured in 6 aesthetic units per participant. The Cutometer SEM 575 skin elasticity meter was used to measure skin elasticity changes accompanying this procedure. This device measures skin deformation with an accuracy of 10 microns.

RESULTS

The change in elastic recovery (Ur/Ue) was determined. At all 6 of the facial sites, there was a statistically significant increase in skin elasticity (P < .001). Overall, there was an 18.2% improvement in skin elasticity. Site-specific changes ranged from 9% (forehead) to 22% (prejowl and periorbital).

CONCLUSIONS

Skin resurfacing with the pulsed carbon dioxide laser produces a true skin-tightening effect. The Cutometer is a valuable instrument that permits accurate quantification of skin elasticity and may be useful in the evaluation of other facial plastic procedure results.