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The microsecond 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser as an adjunct to improving surgical scars following Mohs micrographic surgery
Navid Ezra1, Ashish Arshanapalli1, Robert Bednarek1
1a Department of Dermatology , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA.
Background:
Scarring following skin surgery is an unavoidable certainty. Scars resulting from Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) can cause both cosmetic and functional problems. Various lasers have been used to treat scars, but the role of the microsecond pulsed 1064 nanometer neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (1064 nm Nd:YAG) in treating surgical scars is not well-defined.
Objective:
We aim to examine the clinical application of the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser in improving surgical scars.
Methods:
Ten patients who were unhappy with cosmetic or functional outcomes of their surgical scars following MMS were treated with 1-3 sessions of the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser to improve their scars. Therapy completion was determined by patient satisfaction with the appearance of their scars and/or resolution of any contractures that formed following surgery.
Results:
All ten patients were pleased with the improved appearance of their scars. Four patients saw complete resolution of an ectropion or eclabium that formed secondary to scar contractures from MMS. The side effects of laser treatments were limited to 1-2 hours of erythema, and there were no incidences of adverse effects or recurrence of contractures.
Conclusion:
Our clinical experience with the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser provides promising data on improving appearance of and functionality from post-surgical scars.
Insights
The microsecond pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser effectively improves the appearance and function of surgical scars from Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS). This laser treatment offers promising results with minimal side effects for patients seeking scar revision.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Laser Surgery
- Scar Revision
Background:
- Surgical scars, particularly from Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS), can lead to significant cosmetic and functional impairments.
- The efficacy of microsecond pulsed 1064 nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for treating surgical scars remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser in enhancing the outcomes of surgical scars.
- To assess the laser's impact on both the aesthetic appearance and functional deficits associated with post-MMS scars.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of ten patients with unsatisfactory surgical scars post-MMS underwent 1-3 sessions of 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser treatment.
- Treatment success was gauged by patient-reported satisfaction with scar appearance and the resolution of scar-induced contractures.
Main Results:
- All ten participants reported improved scar appearance following laser therapy.
- Four patients experienced complete resolution of ectropion or eclabium resulting from MMS scar contractures.
- Adverse effects were transient, limited to erythema lasting 1-2 hours, with no reported long-term complications or contracture recurrence.
Conclusions:
- The clinical application of the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser demonstrates significant potential for improving both the cosmetic and functional aspects of post-surgical scars.
- This laser modality presents a safe and effective option for scar management following dermatologic surgery.
