Ionic Hydrogel Monotherapy and in Combination with Antiviral-Antibiotic Prophylaxis, in the Post-procedure Management of Fractional Laser-Treated Patients

Objective: The pre- and postoperative care for fractionated laser resurfacing is still controversial, especially in regard to the use of antibiotics to prevent bacterial infection and potential consequences. Recently, an ionic hydrogel has shown to be useful in the postoperative treatment of minor burns. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of this hydrogel after fractional laser treatments targeting photoaging and chronoaging damage to skin. Design: A randomized prospective study. Setting: one plastic surgeon private practice. Participant: Fifty patients with chronoaging and photoaging cosmetic issues were enrolled in two different post-treatment regimens: ionic hydrogel alone and ionic hydrogel in combination with antibiotics. Measurements: Patients were evaluated for healing time, complications, and postoperative pain, the latter assessed with a 10-point visual analogue score. A questionnaire to investigate how patients managed through the postoperative phase was also provided to each patient. Results: No significant differences between the two groups were observed in regard to healing time, postoperative pain, complications, and patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Ionic hydrogel alone has shown to provide adequate skin care support in the postoperative phase of fractional-laser-resurfacing-treated patients.