Wound Care Following CO2 Laser Resurfacing Using Kaltostat, Duoderm, and Telfa for Dressings

BACKGROUND: There are a variety of dressings available for wound care following CO2 laser resurfacing. OBJECTIVE: To share the experience of using Kaltostat and Duoderm for wound care following laser resurfacing. METHODS: A total of 27 patients underwent laser resurfacing, including 12 for wrinkles and 15 for acne scars. Kaltostat pads and Duoderm sheets were cut into appropriate shapes to cover the laser-treated areas. The patients' families changed the dressings when the exudate accumulating under Duoderm began to leak. Kaltostat pads were used only for the first 2-3 days when the amount of discharge was profuse. Telfa pads were used rather than Kaltostat in two cases. Duoderm alone was used thereafter to the day of complete reepithelialization. Patients returned to the hospital on days 4, 7, and 10. RESULTS: Complete reepithelialization occurred by day 7 in patients with wrinkles and day 10 in patients with acne scars. The degree of postoperative erythema was mild to moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Duoderm worked well for postresurfacing wound healing. Kaltostat fibers were difficult to remove totally. Telfa pads can be used instead of Kaltostat.