Treatment of scars with autologous fat grafting and 1540 nm non-ablative erbium laser

Abstract

ABSTRACT Scars may be devastating for patients. Fat grafting and non-ablative lasers are available options for improvement. The former reshapes and improves scar quality by adding volume and regenerative adipose-derived stem cells, whereas the latter facilitates synthesis and deposition of new dermal collagen. The combination may be synergic, leading to better cosmetic outcome. This was a prospective study of 16 consecutive patients treated with autologous fat grafting and non-ablative 1540-nm erbium laser for facial scars between January 2015 and December 2015. Treatment protocol included fat injection followed by five treatments with 1540-nm erbium laser (ICONTM Cynosure; Westford, MA, USA) a month later. We evaluated patients before, after treatments, and 6 months after the final treatment. Sixteen patients participated in our study. Mean patient age was 42 years (range 16–59 years). Scars were either traumatic (73%) or acne induced (27%). Traumatic scars were mainly new scars, with the majority of patients were treated within 30 days of injury. There were no reported complications. Scars improved in both texture and appearance and patient satisfaction was high in all cases. Treatment of scars with autologous fat grafting and fractional non-ablative 1540-nm erbium laser is safe and efficient and results in improved scar appearance and texture.