CO2 laser therapy of rhinophyma

Laser treatment of skin changes has become common practice in recent years. High absorption of the CO2 laser wavelength (10600 nm) in water is responsible for its low penetration depth in biological tissue. Shortening the tissue exposure time minimizes thermic side effects of laser radiation such as carbonization and coagulation. This can be achieved with scanner systems (e.g., SilkTouch(TM)scanner, Feather Touch(TM)scanner), that move the focussed laser beam over a defined area by microprocessor-controlled rapidly rotating mirrors. This enables controlled and reliable removal of certain dermal lesions, particularly hypertrophic scars, scars after common acne, wrinkles and rhinophyma. Laser ablation of rhinophyma is a stress-minimizing procedure for the surgeon and the patient, since it is nearly bloodless and can be performed under local anesthesia. Cosmetically favorable reepithelialization of the lasered surfaces is achieved within a very short period of time.