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Treatment of burn hypertrophic scar with fractional ablative laser-assisted drug delivery can decrease levels of
Sanjana Kurup1,2, Taryn E Travis1,3,4,5, Rahma Abd El Shafy1,2
1Firefighters' Burn and Surgical Research Laboratory, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
|April 13, 2023
Summary
Fractional ablative laser scar revision (FLSR) effectively reduces hyperpigmentation in many patients, as measured by melanin index. This laser treatment offers a quantitative approach to assessing scar improvement over time.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine
- Medical Technology and Devices
- Scar Management and Treatment
Background:
- Hyperpigmentation is a common scar symptom, particularly after burn injuries.
- Traditional scar assessment scales (POSAS, VSS) are qualitative; quantitative measures are needed.
- CO2 fractional ablative laser scar revision (FLSR) is explored for its effect on scar hyperpigmentation.
Observation:
- A study included 63 patients with various scar types and Fitzpatrick skin types (FST) undergoing FLSR.
- Melanin index, POSAS, and VSS scores were tracked pre- and post-treatment.
- Patients were categorized as responders or non-responders based on melanin index changes.
Findings:
- The majority of patients (41/63) were responders, showing significant hyperpigmentation reduction after two FLSR sessions (p<0.05).
- Neither patient age, gender, FST, scar age, ethnicity, nor LADD type predicted responder status.
- Improved pigmentation scores were observed with POSAS and VSS in responders, and with POSAS in non-responders.
Implications:
- FLSR demonstrates efficacy in improving scar hyperpigmentation, validated by quantitative melanin index measurements.
- This study provides quantitative data on laser treatment outcomes for scar revision.
- FLSR offers a promising therapeutic option for managing hyperpigmented scars across diverse patient populations.
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