CO2 Laser Therapy in Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery

The CO2 laser is the most versatile laser used in the treatment of cutaneous lesions. It is unique in that it can be used for resurfacing as well as excisional and even incisional procedures. For the dermatologist, potential applications of the CO2 laser essentially are limitless. The advent of the fractional CO2 laser has opened new doors for additional implementations of the device and also has increased the safety profile for procedures such as full-facial resurfacing. This article provides a brief overview of both traditional and fractional CO2 laser applications in dermatology and dermatologic surgery.