Ionic Hydrogel Monotherapy and in combination with antiviral-antibiotic prophylaxis, in the posr- procedure management of fractional laser-treated patients

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