Han Jo Kim1, Ye-Jin Lee2, Hye-Jin Ahn2, Ji Hwoon Baek1, Min Kyung Shin2, Jae Sook Koh1. 1. Drs. Kim, Baek and Koh are with the Dermapro and Skin Research Center in Seoul, South Korea. 2. Drs. Lee, Ahn, and Shin are with the Department of Dermatology and the School of Medicine at Kyung Hee University in Seoul, South Korea.
Abstract
Background: A model for evaluating the in-vivo skin wound healing process over time is needed. Wound healing can be evaluated using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), which permits the dynamic characterization of the skin in a noninvasive manner. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the healing process of fractionally induced microwounds using RCM. Methods: Eight healthy volunteers had a fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser applied to the healthy skin of their inner arm in a single session. The wound healing of the skin at the stratum spinosum and stratum basale layers was examined using RCM. Two dermatologists evaluated the changes in the ablative zone using a grading system (ranging from completely recovered to slightly enlarged ablative zone) at four temporal time points: 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after laser application. Results: The ablative zone in the epidermis was 75 percent of the baseline after seven days and 25 percent of the area after 14 days compared to the baseline. The expanded ablative zones in the epidermis were observed in some subjects resulting from contraction between Day 3 and Day 7. The ablative zone completely healed 28 days after laser application in both the spinous and basal layers of the epidermis. Conclusion: The healing process in the ablative zone of the fractional CO₂ laser-induced microwounds was observed over 2 to 4 weeks, revealing a regenerated epidermis of replaced keratinocytes from the basal layer through RCM.
Background: A model for evaluating the in-vivo skin wound healing process over time is needed. Wound healing can be evaluated using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), which permits the dynamic characterization of the skin in a noninvasive manner. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the healing process of fractionally induced microwounds using RCM. Methods: Eight healthy volunteers had a fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser applied to the healthy skin of their inner arm in a single session. The wound healing of the skin at the stratum spinosum and stratum basale layers was examined using RCM. Two dermatologists evaluated the changes in the ablative zone using a grading system (ranging from completely recovered to slightly enlarged ablative zone) at four temporal time points: 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after laser application. Results: The ablative zone in the epidermis was 75 percent of the baseline after seven days and 25 percent of the area after 14 days compared to the baseline. The expanded ablative zones in the epidermis were observed in some subjects resulting from contraction between Day 3 and Day 7. The ablative zone completely healed 28 days after laser application in both the spinous and basal layers of the epidermis. Conclusion: The healing process in the ablative zone of the fractional CO₂ laser-induced microwounds was observed over 2 to 4 weeks, revealing a regenerated epidermis of replaced keratinocytes from the basal layer through RCM.
Authors: Min Kyung Shin; Jong Min Park; Hee Kyeong Lim; Jeong Hwee Choi; Ji Hwoon Baek; Han Jo Kim; Jae Sook Koh; Mu-Hyoung Lee Journal: Lasers Surg Med Date: 2013-08-31 Impact factor: 4.025
Authors: Basil M Hantash; Vikramaditya P Bedi; Bhumika Kapadia; Zakia Rahman; Kerrie Jiang; Heather Tanner; Kin Foong Chan; Christopher B Zachary Journal: Lasers Surg Med Date: 2007-02 Impact factor: 4.025