Fractionated Er:YAG laser versus fully ablative Er:YAG laser for scar revision: Results of a split scar, double blinded, prospective trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ablative laser resurfacing is a common treatment for post-surgical scars. Fractional ablative laser resurfacing has been an emerging treatment option that is replacing fully ablative lasers in many applications. Data comparing fractionated and fully ablative lasers in treating post-operative scars are lacking. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty patients were enrolled in a split scar study following excisions from dermatologic surgery. Wounds had to be older than 8 weeks but less than 1 year. The scars were randomly divided into two halves. One half of the scar was treated with fully ablative erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) and the other was treated with fractionated Er:YAG. The scars were treated at monthly intervals for 3 months, then followed up at months 1 and 2 after the last treatment. POSAS was used to evaluate the scars by a panel of dermatologists blinded to the lasers in conjunction with the patients, who were also blinded. RESULTS: Physicians and patients both observed a superior outcome of 32.5% (P = 0.019) and 58.1% (P = 0.001), respectively, using the POSAS. There was no trend in difference in pain reported by the patient between the two lasers. Patients overwhelmingly preferred the fractionated Er:YAG laser (94%) to the fully ablative laser when asked at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study is limited by a short follow-up period, it shows a statistically significant superior outcome in fractionated Er:YAG over fully ablative Er:YAG for scar revision. It also adds quantitative values to the assessment of scar appearance when treated with fractionated lasers compared to fully ablative lasers. It was also found that the fractionated Er:YAG had increased patient satisfaction, but there was no difference in reported pain scores. These data are useful when counseling patients undergoing laser surgery. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:837-843, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

One point fixation of zygomatic tripod fractures in the zygomatic buttress through Keen's intraoral approach: A review of 30 cases.

For decades, facial beauty and esthetics have been one of the most important quests of the human race. The lateral prominence and convexity of the zygomatic bone makes it the most important bone for providing the aesthetic facial look and sets up the facial width but at the same time this prominence and convexity makes this bone more vulnerable to injury. Zygomatic complex fractures or tripod fractures are the second most common fractures after nasal fractures among facial injuries. Several studies have been undertaken regarding the reduction and fixation of zygomatic fractures with mini plates and screws. In 2002 Fujioka et al in vivo studies successfully proved that one point fixation at the zygomaticomaxillary complex gives three point alignment and sufficient rigidity when the fractures are not comminuted. In this article, 30 cases have been reviewed with one point fixation of zygomatic complex tripod fractures at the zygomatic buttress through Keen's intraoral approach along with advantages and disadvantages.