Study hails laser treatment as effective anti-wrinkle tool

By Guy Montague-Jones

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Collagen Carbon dioxide

Scientists have hailed carbon dioxide laser resurfacing as a highly effective treatment for facial wrinkles but warn of complications in the short term.

The conclusion was reached by researchers at the University of Michigan who studied the effects of the laser treatment on 47 patients between 1996 and 2004. This long-term follow up helped the researchers look with more confidence and detail at the after-effects.

Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is a well-known treatment that works by vaporizing the water molecules inside and outside the skin cells causing thermal damage to the surrounding tissue.

This shock provokes the production of the protein collagen in the skin which in turn fills in wrinkles, according to the researchers.

Assessing the treatment, the authors of the study in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery said: "Our results verify those of previous studies that found that carbon dioxide laser resurfacing leads to long-term improvement in facial rhytidosis (wrinkles)."

However, over half of those who underwent the treatment suffered some kind of complication.

Milia or acne was the most common complaint while others suffered from hypopigmentation (skin lightening), hyperpigmentation (skin darkening), sagging eyelids, and infection.

Despite the frequency of skin complaints most problems were cleared up quickly.

"With the exception of one case of hyperpigmentation, which resolved within two years of treatment, hypopigmentation was the only long-term adverse effect,"​ said authors Daniel Ward and Shaun Baker.

Six patients suffered from hypopigmentation but were also more likely to have a greater response to the treatment.

"These changes in skin pigmentation may be desirable, such as when patients wish to remove solar evidence of aging; however, changes in pigmentation after treatment can often be a troubling adverse effect,"​ added the authors.

Source: Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery​, 2008;10(4):238-243Long-term Results of Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing of the Face.​P. Daniel Ward, Shan R. Baker.

Related topics Market Trends Skin Care

Related news

Related products

show more

Exosomes: Passing Trend or Transformative Reality?

Exosomes: Passing Trend or Transformative Reality?

Content provided by Naolys | 26-Mar-2024 | White Paper

Exosomes, microscopic vesicles naturally present in abundance within Plant Cells, have garnered significant attention within the scientific and cosmetic...

How Nutricosmetics Can Enhance Skin Beauty

How Nutricosmetics Can Enhance Skin Beauty

Content provided by Activ'Inside | 11-Dec-2023 | White Paper

In the ever-evolving realm of nutricosmetics, where inner wellness meets outer beauty, few natural ingredients have captured the spotlight quite like grapes.

Ultimate Antimicrobial Solution for BPC

Ultimate Antimicrobial Solution for BPC

Content provided by Acme-Hardesty Company | 11-Oct-2023 | White Paper

Sharomix™ EG10, a versatile broad-spectrum antimicrobial liquid blend for preserving personal care products, ensures safety at usage levels ranging from...

Acme-Hardesty Expands Product Line into Canada

Acme-Hardesty Expands Product Line into Canada

Content provided by Acme-Hardesty Company | 07-Jul-2023 | Product Brochure

Acme-Hardesty’s latest expansion into Canada includes Resplanta®, Botaneco®, and BYK from our partners Sharon Personal Care and Eckart Effect Pigments...

Related suppliers