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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Looking for a new way to reduce wrinkles? Carbon dioxide may be the answer.
According to new research, a carbon dioxide (Co2) laser can rejuvenate the skin. It vaporizes water molecules inside and outside of the cells, causing thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. The skin then produces more of the protein collagen, which fills in wrinkles.
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A scale measuring facial wrinkles showed those who received the Co2 laser improved by 45 percent. The results were consistent over all areas of the face. The study from the University of Michigan also showed 45 percent of patients had no complications following the procedure. Complications that did occur are mila (small, white cysts), acne, hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), hypopigmentation (lighting of the skin), infection or sagging of the eyelids. However, those who did experience complications averaged 2.3 years of follow-up, until problems resolved.
"In addition to structural changes, the healing process frequently leads to pigmentary (coloring) changes," the study authors write. "These changes in the 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."
From their findings, researchers say hypopigmentation was the only long-term adverse effect and those patients were more likely to have a greater response to treatment.
SOURCE: Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, 2008;10:238-243
If this story or any other Ivanhoe story has impacted your life or prompted you or someone you know to seek or change treatments, please let us know by contacting Lindsay Braun at lbraun@ivanhoe.com.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
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