Flash-lamp pulsed-dye laser treatment of keloids: results of an observational study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Flash lamp pulsed dye laser (FPDL) was used in a selected group of patients with hypertrophic scars and keloids. Objective of the study was to assess the efficacy on a large number of cases.

BACKGROUND DATA:

FPDL is a nonablative technology, typically used in vascular malformation therapy because of its specificity for hemoglobin.

METHODS:

A total of 59 patients (33 males and 26 females, mean age 37.5 years) affected by hypertrophic postsurgical scars and keloids, underwent from four to six treatment sessions with a flash lamp pumped pulsed dye laser. Clinical follow-up was performed 6 months after the last treatment. Results were judged by blind observers.

RESULTS:

A total of 29 patients out of 59 (49.1%) achieved excellent clearance, 15 patients (25.4%) achieved good to moderate clearance, and 12 patients (20.4%) obtained slight improvement. Only three subjects (5%) had little or no removal of their lesion. Treatment was well tolerated with minor and transient side effects.

CONCLUSIONS:

FPDL is known as a safe and effective treatment for different dermatological lesions in which skin microvessels play a key role in pathogenesis or development. This laser was effective when applied to hypertrophic scars and keloids. Further studies in a larger set of patients, however, are required to assess a standardized and reproducible method for treating these lesions.

• Authors: Giovanni Cannarozzo, Mario Sannino, Federica Tamburi, Cristiano Morini, Steven Paul Nisticò
• Journal: Photomedicine and laser surgery (Photomed Laser Surg) Vol. 33 Issue 5 Pg. 274-7 (May 2015) ISSN: 1557-8550 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25954829 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Observational Study)

Topics

• Adult
• Cicatrix, Hypertrophic (etiology, pathology, radiotherapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Keloid (etiology, pathology, radiotherapy)
• Lasers, Dye (therapeutic use)
• Low-Level Light Therapy
• Male
• Treatment Outcome