Effects of Minimizing Scar Formation by Early Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Much of the theory regarding the treatment of surgical scars advocates a wait-and-see approach. The use of lasers prophylactically against scarring in the early postoperative period is relatively new. We introduced lasers during the early treatment of scars. METHODS: We present results using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) Score and discuss the efficacy and safety of our approach. Fractional CO2 lasers (Line-Xel) were used 4 weeks after injury, which is the early remodeling phase, at 4-week intervals. Five treatments were performed. VSS scores were counted before treatment and 5 months after final treatment. RESULTS: Each VSS score showed great improvement over time and finally achieved near-normal skin values. No adverse effects or complications, such as wound disruption, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, or dyspigmentation, occurred in the present study. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the use of early fractional CO2 lasers 4 weeks after surgery or trauma is an effective and safe method to minimize scar formation.