Long-Term Efficacy of Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing for Facial Actinic Keratosis
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy and long-term effectiveness of carbon dioxide laser resurfacing in the treatment of patients with facial actinic keratosis.
Patients and Methods
A retrospective chart analysis was conducted of 31 patients who underwent full face carbon dioxide laser resurfacing for facial actinic keratosis from July 1998 to November 2002.
Results
Of 31 patients, 18 (58%) were free of lesions at their longest visit. The average actinic keratosis free period, excluding 2 deceased patients, was 27.4 months.
Conclusion
Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is an effective tool in the management of patients with facial actinic keratosis.
⁎Formerly, Resident, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Parkland Memorial Hospital, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX; Currently, Fellow, Willow Bend Cosmetic Surgery Center, Plano, TX.
†Formerly, Resident, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Currently, Resident, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Parkland Memorial Hospital, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.
‡Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Cell Biology-Anatomy, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX; and Chief, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Veterans Administration North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX.
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Sherry: Surgery Division OMFS, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2323 North Field Street, Apartment 1045, Dallas, TX 75201
ABSTRACT