High- Versus Low-Density Fractional Laser in the Treatment of Hypertrophic Postburn Scars: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Fractional CO2 laser has been shown effective in improving pigmentation, pruritus, and tightness of hypertrophic burn scars. However, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment parameters. To compare effectiveness of different densities of fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of mature hypertrophic burn scars. The study included 25 patients, each with 3 or more mature hypertrophic burn scars. Scars were randomly assigned to treatment with low-, medium-, and high-density fractional CO2 laser. Each scar received 3 sessions of laser at 1-month interval. The degree of improvement was assessed clinically using Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) scores, and histologically through evaluation of collagen (Masson's Trichrome stain) before and 1 month after end of therapy. High-density parameters showed significant higher improvement in VSS and POSAS assessment scores (p-value < .001). Pliability and relief are the most improved parameters. Histopathological evaluation revealed a significant drop in the mean area percent of collagen in the 3 used parameters, with highest improvement with high-density laser treatment (p-value < .001). High-density fractional CO2 laser treatment provides more improvement in burn scars both clinically and histopathologically.