The Role of Ablative Fractional Lasers in Wound Healing

Abstract

Chronic wounds impose a major burden on the individual and healthcare system, accounting for significant morbidity, decreased quality of life, and high costs. Despite the development of various advanced therapeutic modalities, chronic wounds remain extremely difficult to treat. Lasers, well-known for their use in a variety of dermatologic procedures, have been used more recently to treat the functional and aesthetic sequelae of burn injuries and scar-related contractures. Of particular interest to the wound healing community, ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment has been found to dramatically accelerate healing in chronic post-traumatic wounds. While evidence is currently limited to a small number of patients from case reports and case series, ablative fractional lasers seem to be a potentially effective novel treatment for wounds of this etiology. Though the mechanism of action has not been well-defined, fractional lasers have been hypothesized to stimulate healing via mechanical effects, collagen remodeling, debridement, and alteration in the wound molecular profile. Further research and controlled studies looking at lasers for post-traumatic wounds, as well as other common types of chronic wounds, including venous, arterial, diabetic, and pressure ulcers, are needed.