Effective keloid management using a combinatorial continuous-wave and repeat fractionated ablative CO₂ laser regimen.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Laser Medicine
• Scar Revision

Background:

• Keloids are benign scars resulting from abnormal collagen deposition after skin injury.
• Laser therapy offers promising keloid treatment options, with outcomes dependent on laser type and scar characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined continuous wave and repetitive fractionated carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment for keloids.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 22 keloid cases treated with a sequential CO2 laser protocol (continuous wave followed by fractional).
• Scar assessment utilized the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and Vancouver Scar Scale.
• Patient satisfaction and pain were measured using the Numeric Rating Scale.

Main Results:

• The treatment demonstrated significant improvements in scar color, rigidity, thickness, and irregularity at 6 months post-treatment.
• Vancouver Scar Scale scores showed similar positive trends.
• Patients reported substantial improvement in overall scar appearance, pain, and itching, with high satisfaction levels and no serious adverse events.

Conclusions:

• The combination of continuous wave and fractional CO2 laser modes provides an effective and safe approach for managing keloid scars.
• This dual-mode laser therapy leads to high patient satisfaction and significant scar improvement.