Animal Study of Skin Resurfacing Using the Ultrapulse Carbon Dioxide Laser

The study investigated the effects of ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser ablation on rabbit skin, focusing on the healing process over 1 month. The laser ablation was precise, bloodless, and did not cause char formation. Remarkably, skin re-epithelialization occurred without scarring, and hair growth was fully restored within 3 weeks. Microscopic analysis showed a thermal necrosis layer of 70 +/- 10 microns, with significant fibroblastic reactions and capillary congestion in the papillary dermis. By 4 weeks, the epidermal layer and dermal collagen appeared normal. The study suggested that the ultrapulse laser could effectively ablate the epidermis and papillary dermis with successful wound healing, indicating its potential as a new approach for skin resurfacing.