Laser deepithelialization: an adjunct to reduction mammaplasty.

A new use is described for the CO2 laser--that of deepithelialization. Deepithelialization is a technique used in a myriad of plastic surgical procedures. This paper introduces the use of the laser for deepithelialization and illustrates its advantages in 44 consecutive patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty. Advantages are the precise removal of the upper dermis and epidermis--a true deepithelialization--with preservation of the lower dermis and pilosebaceous units. Associated decreased blood loss and more rapid operating time without an increase in complications makes this an attractive adjunctive technique with a wide variety of applications. No adverse effects or contraindications to the use of the CO2 laser for deepithelializing have been found.