The effects of CO2 fractional laser on improving the scar of alar base incision in rhinoplasty patients

Abstract

Objectivepost-surgical complications of rhinoplasty such as scars may alter the success rate of the operation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fractional CO2 laser on the scars of alar base region in rhinoplasty patients. Materials and methodsTwenty six patients who had subsequent scar in the alar base region after open rhinoplasty were enrolled to this clinical study. Their skin type was recorded using Fitzpatrick scale, and then patients were randomly allocated into the control and the laser groups. Patients in the control group received no treatment, in the laser group, one session of fractional CO2 laser therapy with a 0.05 mm spot diameter, 4 ms pulse duration, 12−14 W power and 48_56 mJ energy in each pulse was completed. The scar score was evaluated using Vancouver Scar Scale before and 6 months after the treatment. The Scar score was calculated in a descriptive manner. Paired t-test and (Wilcoxon test) were employed to compare the results before and after the treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22, and the level of significance was P < 0.05. ResultsNo difference was observed regarding the demographic information and the skin type between the two groups. After 6 months, reduction in the scar score was observed in both groups, however, the difference was not statistically significant. ConclusionThis study concluded that fractional CO2 laser did not affect the scar of alar base incision after rhinoplasty.