Neck Rejuvenation with Fractional CO2 Laser

• Published in: Textbook of Aging Skin pp. 1993 - 2001
• Main Authors: Akkaya, A. Deniz, Oram, Yasemin
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin, Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg
• Subjects: Acneiform Eruption; Carbondioxide Laser; Facial Rejuvenation; Laser Resurface; Skin Laxity
• ISBN: 3662473976; 9783662473979
• DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-47398-6_146

Treatment of the aging neck remains to be one of the most challenging aspects of the rejuvenative procedures, because of the unique aging pathogenesis and the limited healing capacities of this area. Although there are several surgical or nonsurgical techniques available for the treatment of the aging neck, successful results can only be achieved after establishing the main pathologic process and selecting the procedure accordingly for each individual patient. Consecutive to the advances in technology and the demand for noninvasive procedures, nonsurgical treatment modalities have gained popularity among the treatment options for aging neck. Ablative CO2 laser rejuvenation has been considered the gold standard of resurfacing, resulting in impressive clinical improvements. However, the high incidence of side effects and long recovery period was an impetus for the development of the term “fractional photothermolysis.” Ablative fractional resurfacing results in clinical improvements comparable or even superior to traditional ablative resurfacing, with a shorter down time and fewer side effects. Collagen remodeling that has been shown to continue for several months after the procedure is reflected as significant clinical improvements on skin tightening and texture. For a patient with an aging neck with prominent skin laxity, jowling, and pigmentary changes, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is a safe and effective treatment alternative. However, procedure should be done with caution, with a thorough understanding of the laser-tissue interactions at various laser parameters used in different anatomic units, in order to achieve successful clinical results without side effects. Post-procedure frequent follow-up is also necessary for the early recognition of the signs of side effects that could result in scarring.