Lasers for scars: a review and evidence-based appraisal

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Aesthetic Medicine
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Scar management involves diverse treatment options tailored to scar type, patient age, and expectations.
• Nonsurgical scar revision encompasses a range of techniques, from topical applications to advanced laser therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review commonly employed nonsurgical methods for scar revision.
• To focus specifically on the application of laser technologies in scar treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of nonsurgical scar revision modalities including topical treatments, intralesional medications, soft-tissue augmentation, cryotherapy, and laser applications.
• Detailed examination of laser systems such as 585-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL), CO2, and Er:YAG lasers for scar treatment.
• Discussion of the role of nonablative laser procedures in scar management.

Main Results:

• Nonsurgical methods can be used for scar prevention, definitive treatment, interim therapy, or adjunctive care post-surgery.
• The 585-nm PDL is considered the gold standard for treating hypertrophic scars and keloids.
• Ablative lasers (CO2, Er:YAG) are effective for atrophic scars, while nonablative lasers are gaining popularity due to lower morbidity.

Conclusions:

• A variety of nonsurgical options exist for scar revision, offering flexibility in treatment strategies.
• Laser therapy, with specific devices like the 585-nm PDL, provides effective solutions for different scar types.
• The trend towards less invasive procedures favors the increasing use of nonablative laser treatments for scar revision.