FPRS Resurfacing Flashcards
What is dermabrasion, and what is its role in scar revision?
Dermabrasion is a mechanical method of removing the
epidermis and creating a papillary to upper reticular dermal
wound. Injuries to the epidermis and papillary dermis heal
without scarring. Dermabrasion changes the depth of the
scar to help it blend with surrounding normal tissue. It also
seeks to create a wound with texture and color closely
matching normal skin.
What layer of the dermis contains the predominant blood supply of the skin?
Reticular dermis
Dermabrasion injury to the papillary dermis results
in production of what tissue elements?
Type I procollagen
Type III procollagen
Transforming growth factor-β1
Routine prophylaxis for what infection is typically offered to patients before they undergo dermabrasion?
Herpes simplex virus, typically beginning 24 hours preoperatively and continuing for 5 days
Which Fitzpatrick skin types have the greatest risk of pigmentary dyschromia (hyper-pigmentation or
hypopigmentation) after resurfacing?
Fitzpatrick type III through VI
What is the mechanism of action of hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone blocks tyrosinase from developing melanin
precursors, thereby impeding new pigment formation as
the new epidermis heals after a chemical peel.
What are the major indications for a medium
depth chemical peel?
● Destruction of epidermal lesions
● Resurfacing of moderate photoaging skin
● Correction of pigmentary dyschromias
● Repair of mild acne scars
● Blending of photoaging skin with laser resurfacing
Baker-Gordon phenol is used to achieve what level
of chemical peeling?
Deep chemical peel
What toxicities are associated with phenol chemical peels?
● Cardiotoxicity
● Hepatotoxicity
● Nephrotoxicity
What methods may be used to limit the potential
toxic effects of a phenol chemical peel?
● Administering intravenous hydration before and during
the procedure
● Increasing the duration of application
● Electrocardiographic monitoring
● Oxygen administration
● Screening for patients with arrhythmias or hepatic/renal
compromise or patients taking medications that may
increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias
What does the acronym LASER stand for?
Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation
What is the role of lasers in scar revision?
Lasers create thermal injury leading to collagen retraction.
They can also be used for skin resurfacing to correct
pigmentary defects.
What is the role of pulsed dye laser in scar revision?
A 585-nm wavelength pulse dyed laser can decrease the
vascularity of scar tissue and reduce scar redness. The laser
may also decrease the number and activity of fibroblasts.
What is the wavelength of the CO2 laser?
10,600 nm, infrared spectrum
What characteristic of CO2 lasers allows them to vaporize superficially and provide, for the most
part, a what-you-see-is-what-you-get type of tissue interaction, similar to electrocautery?
They have increased absorption by tissues with high water
content.
