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Press Release by the The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS)
SCHAUMBURG, IL (May 10, 2001) - Thanks to a breakthrough laser
technique, dermatologic surgeons can now improve the color of scars
from facelifts, breast surgery or burns, uneven skin pigment or
abnormally lightened skin. Medically referred to as hypopigmentation or
leukoderma, these light spots or splotches on otherwise normal skin are
associated with scars, vitiligo or possible side effects from certain
skin resurfacing procedures, such as lasers, chemical peels and
dermabrasion.
Speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology's recent annual
meeting, dermatologic surgeon Roy Geronemus, MD, New York City, told
colleagues that the 308-nm excimer laser appears to be extremely
effective in selectively targeting and darkening light patches to blend
in with surrounding skin tone. He added that patients experience
virtually no pain and can require as few as three to 10 treatments.
"Melanocytes are the pigment-making factories in skin that produce
tanned skin when stimulated by sunlight. However, the melanocytes in
patients with hypo-pigmentation are damaged and don’t function
properly," explained Dr. Geronemus, who is vice president of the
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. "The intensity of particular
types of lasers seems to accomplish what normal light can’t – namely
reanimating the melanocytes without the damaging effects of ultraviolet
light."
In the pilot study, Dr. Geronemus examined two patients who had
hypopigmentation following carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing, a
procedure to improve wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin. The patients
received a series of up to eight treatments over three to four weeks
with the 308-nm excimer laser. A 50-75% improvement in skin tone was
recorded after the treatments.
"These preliminary results suggest that the 308-nm excimer laser
offers a rapid and effective treatment for stimulating residual
melanocytes in patients with resurfacing induced leukoderma at a
relatively low cumulative UV-B dose," noted Dr. Geronemus.
The study is slated for publication in the June issue of the
Archives of Dermatology.
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) was founded in
1970 to promote excellence in the field of dermatologic surgery and to
foster the highest standards of patient care. For more information on
laser treatments, scar revision and referrals to doctors in specific
geographic areas, please contact the ASDS consumer hotline,
1-800-441-ASDS (2737), during weekday business hours or log on at
www.asds-net.org.
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