Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma plus fractional carbon dioxide laser in treating posttraumatic scars.

Abstract

The management of posttraumatic scars is a great challenge. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (APRP) and fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser can be applied as innovative treatments for posttraumatic scars. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and complications of fractional CO2 laser exposure plus APRP injection in treating traumatic scars versus CO2 laser applied as a monotherapy. Twenty participants were treated 3 times at a 4-week interval with a follow-up visit. The scars were divided into an upper and lower half-treated with fractional CO2 laser exposure plus APRP injection and CO2 laser alone, respectively. The scar was evaluated using the Vancouver scar scale (VSS), along with patient satisfaction. Twenty patients completed the 3 month treatment course. The mean VSS score improved significantly from 7.0 ± 3.97 to 3.25 ± 1.55 and 6.75 ± 1.77 to 3.85 ± 1.59 with fractional CO2 laser exposure plus APRP injection and CO2 laser exposure, respectively (p < .001). However, CO2 laser plus APRP was significantly superior to CO2 laser alone (p = .001), with fewer adverse effects. Our study shows that combined treatment with CO2 laser exposure plus APRP injection is safer and more effective for posttraumatic scar management than CO2 laser exposure alone.