Rapid Laser Scanning for Facial Resurfacing

BACKGROUND: Laser skin resurfacing is growing in popularity in both the professional as well as lay populations. Freehand delivery of impacts is relatively time consuming. Accurate and precise placement of impacts to avoid unwanted overlapping and the superimposing of multiple impacts is difficult. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a new computerized scanning device, the computerized pattern generator (CPG), and to compare it with freehand delivery of multiple laser impacts over large areas. METHODS: Sixty-one patients were treated using the CPG by surgeons who are experienced with freehand laser resurfacing. RESULTS: CPG delivery provides more rapid resurfacing with more uniform, accurate, and precise distribution of impacts. CONCLUSION: Combining the CPG with the Ultrapulse laser is a valuable addition making the procedure faster and more controllable.