1550-nm nonablative laser resurfacing for facial surgical scars.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the efficacy of 1550-nm (Fraxel SR1500 RE:Store; Solta Medical, Hayward, California) nonablative laser treatment of facial surgical scars.

METHODS:

In this prospective clinical study, a volunteer sample of 13 adults with Fitzpatrick skin types I to III and facial surgical scars with a postoperative duration longer than 6 months were enrolled. Subjects were treated once every 4 weeks for a total of 4 treatments. Initial settings for the 1550-nm nonablative laser were at energy level 40 mJ and treatment level 4 and were subsequently increased on each visit according to the patients' tolerance level. Using a previously validated Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), the study subject and an independent evaluator completed assessments of the scar at each visit.

RESULTS:

According to the Friedman test on ratings across all occasions after the first treatment to the last evaluation, there was a statistically significant improvement in the patient's assessment of the color, stiffness, thickness, and irregularity of the scar but not for pain or itching. For the observer's ratings, there was a statistically significant improvement in pigmentation, thickness, relief, and pliability but not for vascularization.

CONCLUSIONS:

Preliminary data suggest improved aesthetic results, demonstrating the potential use of fractional photothermolysis as a scar revision technique. Future studies with a longer follow-up period could elucidate the role of fractional photothermolysis in more permanent scar improvements.

• Authors: Annette M Pham, Ryan M Greene, Heather Woolery-Lloyd, Joely Kaufman, Lisa D Grunebaum
• Journal: Archives of facial plastic surgery (Arch Facial Plast Surg) 2011 May-Jun Vol. 13 Issue 3 Pg. 203-10 ISSN: 1538-3660 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21576668 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Cicatrix (etiology, surgery)
• Dose Fractionation, Radiation
• Face (surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Laser Therapy (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Complications (surgery)
• Prospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome