Nonablative fractional laser resurfacing for the treatment of hypertrophic scars: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Nonablative fractional laser (NAFL) therapy is a noninvasive procedure that has been suggested as a treatment option for hypertrophic scars.

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1540-nm NAFL therapy in the treatment of hypertrophic scars.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

An intraindividual randomized controlled trial (RCT) with split lesion design and single-blinded outcome evaluations. Patients received four NAFL treatments at monthly intervals. Primary endpoint was a blinded on-site visual and palpable Physician Global Assessment (PhGA). Adverse event registration and pain evaluation were used to evaluate safety. Patient global assessment (PGA) was a secondary endpoint to additionally evaluate efficacy.

RESULTS:

The PhGA did not find a statistically significant difference between the treated and untreated control side of 18 patients, although there was significant difference on the PGA 1 (p = .006) and 3 (p = .02) months after last treatment (Wilcoxon signed rank test). Patients experienced moderate pain during treatment and mild adverse events.

CONCLUSION:

In this trial, blinded PhGA could not confirm the clinical efficacy of 1540-nm nonablative fractional laser in the treatment of hypertrophic scars, but the treatment is safe, and patients judged that the treated part had a better global appearance.

• Authors: Evelien Verhaeghe, Katia Ongenae, Jessica Bostoen, Jo Lambert
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 39 Issue 3 Pt 1 Pg. 426-34 (Mar 2013) ISSN: 1524-4725 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23279702 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2012 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Topics

• Adult
• Cicatrix, Hypertrophic (surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Laser Therapy (adverse effects, methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies