Erbium:YAG laser as a method of deepithelization in corrective and reductive breast surgery

Ann Plast Surg. 2005 Aug;55(2):122-6. doi: 10.1097/01.sap.0000168885.73496.c0.

Abstract

Deepithelization of the breast in breast ptosis surgery is important, being associated with risks which could affect the clinical outcome. The role of Er:YAG laser deepithelization was investigated. A total of 12 bilateral mammoplasties were performed, randomly assigned to 2 groups, one of experienced and one of less-experienced surgeons. Results were compared between the 2 groups of surgeons for scalpel deepithelization on one breast and the Er:YAG laser on the contralateral breast. No complications; less edema, pain, and erythema; and quicker wound healing were observed in the laser-deepithelized breasts, with a shorter operation time even for the less-experienced surgeons. The authors do not suggest that the Er:YAG laser should replace the scalpel in the hands of the expert surgeon for breast deepithelization in breast ptosis surgery, but the results of the study suggest that Er:YAG laser ablation is a safe, precise, effective and complication-free method.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast / cytology
  • Breast / surgery
  • Epidermis / pathology
  • Epidermis / surgery
  • Epithelium / pathology
  • Epithelium / surgery
  • Erbium / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy / pathology
  • Hypertrophy / surgery
  • Laser Therapy / instrumentation*
  • Mammaplasty / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Erbium