Skin Rejuvenation & Resurfacing Flashcards
7 cards from real CLT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Skin Rejuvenation & Resurfacing flashcards as text
When treating periorbital wrinkles with an ablative CO2 laser, the minimum safe distance from the eyelid margin is typically:
Answer: 3 mm
Treating within 3 mm of the eyelid margin risks ectropion, corneal damage, and scarring due to thin, delicate tissue.
Antiviral prophylaxis before ablative laser resurfacing is recommended primarily to prevent reactivation of:
Answer: Herpes simplex virus
Ablative resurfacing disrupts the skin barrier and can trigger HSV reactivation, causing widespread painful eruptions across the treated area.
What is the primary purpose of the cooling system in non-ablative laser skin rejuvenation devices?
Answer: Protect the epidermis from thermal injury
Epidermal cooling protects the superficial skin layers while allowing the laser energy to heat deeper dermal structures for collagen stimulation.
Which endpoint is typically observed during a properly performed erbium:YAG ablative pass?
Answer: Pink chamois-like appearance of dermis
A pink chamois-leather appearance indicates correct papillary dermal depth, confirming adequate ablation without excessive thermal damage.
A patient with a history of isotretinoin use within the past 12 months presents for fractional CO2 resurfacing. The appropriate action is to:
Answer: Postpone treatment for at least 6–12 more months
Isotretinoin impairs sebaceous gland function and wound healing, increasing the risk of scarring; most guidelines recommend waiting 12–24 months after cessation.
In the context of laser resurfacing, 'fractional photothermolysis' means the laser:
Answer: Treats a fraction of the skin surface leaving untreated zones for healing
Fractional photothermolysis creates microscopic treatment zones surrounded by untreated tissue, which accelerates healing and reduces downtime.
Which wavelength laser is considered 'water-specific' and produces minimal char due to its high absorption in tissue water during resurfacing?
Answer: Er:YAG (2,940 nm)
Er:YAG at 2,940 nm has the highest absorption coefficient in water of any clinical laser, enabling precise ablation with minimal residual thermal damage.