BACKGROUND: CO2 laser has not only become the most widely used laser in dermatological surgical practice, but it has also proved to be highly effective in treating aesthetic imperfections. OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy and safety of a novel fractional CO2 laser combined with a radiofrequency device in different dermatological, surgical and aesthetic fields. METHODS: A total of 79 patients were treated in our Outpatient Service with a novel fractional CO2 laser combined with a bipolar radiofrequency device for a maximum of 5 months. Group A consisted of 39 patients with lesions requiring complete excision, whereas Group B consisted of 40 subjects seeking to enhance aesthetic facial imperfections. The results were assessed by three 'blind' investigators using photographs and clinical observations; in addition, the patients had to give their own subjective assessment of the results. RESULTS: At the 6-month follow-up, the lesions of the Group A patients had been completely removed, except for one case of a large sebaceous nevus on the scalp. All the Group B patients showed global improvement in skin tightening, removal of fine lines and rhytides and correction of dilated pores and hyperpigmentation, with no significant side-effects and short downtimes. CONCLUSION: This kind of laser meets the needs of the majority of dermatologists requiring a unique, versatile tool to remove cutaneous lesions and at the same time, safely and effectively treat skin imperfections.
BACKGROUND:CO2 laser has not only become the most widely used laser in dermatological surgical practice, but it has also proved to be highly effective in treating aesthetic imperfections. OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy and safety of a novel fractional CO2 laser combined with a radiofrequency device in different dermatological, surgical and aesthetic fields. METHODS: A total of 79 patients were treated in our Outpatient Service with a novel fractional CO2 laser combined with a bipolar radiofrequency device for a maximum of 5 months. Group A consisted of 39 patients with lesions requiring complete excision, whereas Group B consisted of 40 subjects seeking to enhance aesthetic facial imperfections. The results were assessed by three 'blind' investigators using photographs and clinical observations; in addition, the patients had to give their own subjective assessment of the results. RESULTS: At the 6-month follow-up, the lesions of the Group A patients had been completely removed, except for one case of a large sebaceous nevus on the scalp. All the Group B patients showed global improvement in skin tightening, removal of fine lines and rhytides and correction of dilated pores and hyperpigmentation, with no significant side-effects and short downtimes. CONCLUSION: This kind of laser meets the needs of the majority of dermatologists requiring a unique, versatile tool to remove cutaneous lesions and at the same time, safely and effectively treat skin imperfections.