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Analytical method to examine the effects of carbon dioxide lasers on skin: A study using wrinkles induced in hairless mice
Author(s) -
Fujimura Tsutomu,
Takema Yoshinori,
Moriwaki Shigeru,
Tsukahara Kazue,
Imokawa Genji,
Yamada Akira,
Imayama Syuhei
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.1061
Subject(s) - hairless , wrinkle , dermis , laser , skin repair , photoaging , skin aging , biomedical engineering , wound healing , materials science , dermatology , medicine , chemistry , surgery , pathology , optics , composite material , biochemistry , physics
Background and Objective Investigation of the wrinkle smoothing process elicited by CO 2 laser treatment is important for understanding the mechanism involved in their repair. Study Design/Materials and Methods Hairless mice with wrinkles induced in their dorsal skin by long‐term exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the wavelength range of 290–320 nm were treated with a CO 2 laser. By using this model, we investigated the external appearance, histologic changes, and the mechanical properties of the skin during the wrinkle repair. Results Laser treatment with an appropriate intensity caused wrinkles to smooth completely. In the healing process, reepithelialization and collagen tissue regeneration in the upper dermis was observed. However, marked changes in the skin were noted, such as increases in the collagen layer and in the skin thickness, and changes in the mechanical properties of the skin, despite the favorable external appearance. Conclusions An abnormal state characterized by excessive collagen regeneration and other changes in the dermis occur concomitantly with wrinkle smoothing. Lasers Surg. Med. 28:348–354, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.