Electrosurgical skin resurfacing: A new bipolar instrument

BACKGROUND. Numerous modalities may be used for skin resurfacing, including chemical peels, dermabrasion, and lasers. Each of these methods is associated with significant disadvantages. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of these initial studies was to determine the efficacy and safety of a new electrosurgical resurfacing system. Depth of cutaneous injury was also evaluated. METHODS. Postoperative scar resurfacing was performed on six patients in the initial feasibility study. Patients were evaluated with questionnaires, physician observations, and photographs. The histologic investigation evaluated depth of injury after resurfacing at various power settings and number of passes. RESULTS. Appearance of postoperative scars in all 6 patients was improved by electrosurgical resurfacing. The overall injury, residual thermal damage plus ablation, for all power levels and passes was 114.1 mu m (mean) with a standard deviation of 60.7 mu m. ONCLUSION. Electrosurgical resurfacing may become an effective and safe alternative to current resurfacing modalities.