In Vivo Effect of Carbon Dioxide Laser-Skin Resurfacing and Mechanical Abrasion on the Skin's Microbial Flora in an Animal Model

Abstract

Skin resurfacing using CO2 lasers considerably reduces microbial counts of most microorganisms in comparison with either normal skin flora or a scalpel-inflicted wound. This might contribute to the positive clinical outcome of laser skin resurfacing.

Using the Hair Removal Laser in the Axillary Region and its Effect on Normal Microbial Flora

“…The reduction of the post-laser microbial count was observed in diphtheroid and staphylococci in comparison to the pre-laser and post-abrasion specimens which could be a positive clinical outcome of the skin resurfacing lasers. 31 Although these studies 30,31 could show a decrement in microbial counts in animal models, the mean bacterial colony counts didn't show a significant change during laser therapy in this study. The laser wavelength which was used in those two studies was greater than that in this study.…”

“…Based on previous studies, it is still unknown if axillary hair removal with a laser alters the microbial flora of that region. Some studies have investigated the effect of different lasers on bacteria, [30][31][32] while no one included the microbial flora of human skin. The present study aimed to determine the microbial flora of the axillary region before and after the third and sixth hair removal alexandrite laser sessions in 30 healthy women.…”

Percutaneous Collagen Induction: Minimally Invasive Skin Rejuvenation without Risk of Hyperpigmentation—Fact or Fiction?

“…2,18,19 Damaging the epidermis significantly, however, can cause potentially adverse effects, such as dyspigmentation. 5 Moreover, skin tightening frequently results from the significant damage to the epidermis and, even more importantly, its basal membrane and consequent inflammation accompanying the wound-healing process.…”

“…5 Moreover, skin tightening frequently results from the significant damage to the epidermis and, even more importantly, its basal membrane and consequent inflammation accompanying the wound-healing process. 18 This trauma to the epidermis can lead to postinflammatory skin hyperpigmentation in persons of any age or skin type. 5 This side effect is the predominant reason why ablative laser resurfacing has become less popular and the focus has shifted toward nonablative skin rejuvenation because of its decreased risk of adverse effects and downtime.…”

CO2 Laser for Photorejuvenation

“…The presence of pustules in the early postoperative or pain indicates the need of cultures and antibiograms to search for these agents. In mice, CO 2 laser resurfacing reduces the microbial count of microorganisms as compared to the normal skin flora, which can explain the rarity of infectious complications in practice (Manolis et al 2006). Infection with Candida species can be controlled with oral or topical antimycotics such as itraconazole or fluconazole.…”