Combination of fractional resurfacing and dermabrasion techniques to improve aesthetic outcomes of facial grafts

Two patients with full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) for MOHRs surgical defects, one below the eye and one on the nasal tip, underwent CO2RE fractional resurfacing to the surface of the skin graft, at 2 months after the initial surgery, followed by manual dermabrasion to blend the skin graft with surrounding tissue. Color and texture of the skin grafts improved after treatment. Softening of the transition between the skin grafts and native skin was apparent.

Reference: Worley B, Cohen JL. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019 Mar 1;18(3):274-275.

Study Details:

  • 2 patients with full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) for MOHRs surgical defects, one below the eye and one on the nasal tip, underwent CO2 fractional resurfacing and manual dermabrasion to blend the skin graft with surrounding tissue
  • At 2 months after the initial surgery, CO2RE laser treatment with 2 passes in Fusion Mode (30% fractional coverage, ring 116mJ, Core energy of 70mJ) were applied to the surface of the skin graft with 50% overlap onto native skin
  • Light to medium manual dermabrasion, using a sterilized diamond fraise, was applied in 3 passes to the edges and skin graft

Study Results:

  • Color and texture of the skin grafts improved after treatment
  • Softening of the transition between the skin grafts and native skin was apparent
  • No pulsed dye laser was used for either patient as most of the redness resolved spontaneously 
  • No additional treatment sessions were needed for camouflaging with surrounding skin