UltraPulse laser skin resurfacing in Hispanic patients. A prospective study of 36 individuals

• Published in: Dermatologic surgery 1998-01, Vol.24 (1), p.59-62
• Main Authors: Ruiz-Esparza, J, Barba Gomez, J M, Gomez de la Torre, O L, Huerta Franco, B, Parga Vazquez, E G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; Female; Hispanic Americans; Humans; Laser Therapy - adverse effects; Laser Therapy - methods; Male; Middle Aged; Pigmentation Disorders - etiology; Prospective Studies; Rhytidoplasty; Skin Aging
• ISSN: 1076-0512
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.1998.tb04052.x

The main question in the mind of a physician about to treat a Hispanic patient for facial cosmetic improvement using laser resurfacing is: How safely can I predict an even pigmentation after the procedure? Specific studies in Hispanic patients to establish the safety of laser skin resurfacing with the UltraPulse carbon dioxide laser do not exist. To establish the degree of safety for this procedure in this patient population. Thirty-six volunteer patients were treated for facial rhytides and acne scars. A Coherent UltraPulse 5000c carbon dioxide laser was used. The guidelines for the minimal mechanical trauma technique were followed. Monthly follow-up for 6 months was done, except in three patients. Cosmetic improvement was achieved in the vast majority of patients. No cases of persisting erythema, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation were seen at 90 days or at the completion of the study. This appears to be a safe procedure for this patient group following the criteria of minimizing mechanical trans-operative trauma and close follow-up as described in this paper.