|
Non ablative Laser
- CO2 Laser Vaporization |
|
The term non ablative here refers to vaporization as opposed to cutting or excision using CO2 laser in ablative procedures. In CO2 laser vaporization of lesions such as actinic cheilitis, the defocused carbon dioxide laser beam can induce tissue temperatures greater than 100 degrees Celsius which instantaneously converts intracellular and extracellular water into steam and charred tissue, resulting in cellular destruction. This occurs so quickly there is minimal transfer of thermal energy to adjacent tissue. Overtreatment may result in severe damage to surrounding structures with subsequent scarring. Undertreatment may, on the other hand, result in unwanted recurrences.
|
|
Suitable cutaneous disorders for the use of the CO2 lasers are recalcitrant warts, actinic cheilitis and rhinophyma. |