Peri-Procedure Laser Scar Therapy Protocol: A Pilot Survey of Plastic Surgeons’ Practices

Abstract

Scar management using laser phototherapy continues to evolve as it gains wide acceptance among patients and providers. Despite widespread use of laser therapy, there are no guidelines or consensus published regarding optimal pre- and post-procedure patient management. Our objective is to gain insight into the best laser practices; we decided to poll colleagues nationwide. An online survey was distributed to members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The survey consisted of 34 questions regarding pre- and post-procedure protocols related to laser scar therapy. Forty plastic surgeons responded to the survey. The survey demonstrated that ten types of lasers are currently used to treat scars. The most commonly used lasers are fractional Er:YAG (44.7%), pulsed dye (42.1%), and fractional CO2 (36.8%). On a Likert 3-point scale, providers favored the use of pre-procedural sunblock (2.12), topical analgesics (1.91), and oral antivirals (1.83). They also preferred the use of topical moisturizer (2.45), oral analgesics (2.29), and oral antivirals (1.97) as a part of the post-laser treatment regimen. The study verified there is no consensus regarding peri-procedure laser scar therapy regimens. As laser scar management continues to grow in popularity, this lack of consensus suggests the need for experts in the field to come together and propose agreeable protocols to be used as guidelines. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .