Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing of Peri-oral Rhytids in Scleroderma Patients

BACKGROUND: The short pulse duration high-energy carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers have been used in the past for treating cutaneous pathology and more recently for cosmetic improvements of rhytids, photo-aging, and acne. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine the benefits of CO2 laser resurfacing on the severe peri-oral rhytidosis commonly seen in patients with systemic scleroderma. METHODS: Three patients were studied and evaluated for satisfactory wound healing, improved cosmetic result, and lack of complications. RESULTS: All three patients experienced significant improvement following laser resurfacing. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated the safe and effective treatment for peri-oral rhytidosis in patients with generalized scleroderma utilizing CO2 laser resurfacing.