Ablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing Research Articles

The Dermatologist's Role in Rehabilitation: A Novel Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach Combining Ablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing and Physical Therapy in Managing a Patient with Scar Contracture of the Neck

Objective: To employ a multidisciplinary approach combining ablative fractional laser resurfacing concurrently with physical therapy to improve functional and cosmetic deficits associated with traumatic scarring status-post parotid cancer treatment. Methods: A 65-year-old female presented to dermatology with scar contracture of the right neck secondary to multiple surgeries and 36 rounds of adjuvant radiation therapy for stage III adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland. Severe scar-related complications included impaired physical strength, limited range of motion of the neck, and activity intolerance. The patient also reported difficulty with swallowing and limited ability to open her mouth, resulting in a 30-pound weight loss. Ablative fractional laser resurfacing treatments and laser-assisted delivery of triamcinolone in combination and in parallel with physical therapy sessions were initiated. Results: By month five of combination treatment, the patient had objectively decreased scar fibrosis and swelling, decreased facial swelling composite scores, increased range of motion of the neck, and increased right shoulder strength. Subjectively, the patient expressed increased satisfaction in scar appearance, decreased pain, and increased tolerance to activities such as lifting and reaching. Conclusion: Ablative fractional laser resurfacing is a promising adjunct to established interventions for improving functional and cosmetic deficits and quality of life in patients with scar contractures due to its safety profile and efficacy.

The importance of biomechanics and the kinetic chains of human movement in the development and treatment of burn scars - A narrative review with illustrative cases.

Burn scars are a major clinical sequelae of severe burn wound healing. To effectively establish a successful treatment plan and achieve durable results, understanding the pathophysiology of scar development is of utmost importance. A narrative review of the principles of the kinematic chain of movement and the hypothesised effect on burn scar development based on properties of burn scars was performed. An examination of the literature supporting these concepts is presented in conjunction with illustrative cases, with a particular focus on the effect of combination treatments that include ablative fractional resurfacing with surgical contracture releases. Ablative fractional resurfacing combined with the surgical release of contractures are an effective treatment modality for burn scar reconstruction. This treatment approach seems particularly effective because it is one of the only approaches where the principles of functional kinematics can be addressed when tailoring a reconstructive approach to an individual burn patient. The presented cases illustrate the importance of recognising and including the principles of functional kinematic chains in any reconstructive treatment approach for burn scars. Further, epifascial contracture bands are cord like structures which can be found underneath the subcutaneous fat of scar contractures which follow the principles of functional kinematics. Contractures can be more efficiently released if these structures are divided as well. Ablative fractional resurfacing combined with local tissue re-arrangements is a promising approach to address the underlying forces leading to hypertrophic burn scarring. To achieve an optimal outcome, it is essential to recognise and address the origin of the pathology when treating burn scars. Ablative fractional laser resurfacing allows a different scar approach as it is not limited to one surgical site and thus enables for effective treatment at the cause of the pathology.

Early Fractional Ablative Laser for Skin Cancer Excision Scars: A Randomized Split-Scar Study.

Fractional ablative laser resurfacing has been shown to improve the final cosmetic appearance of surgical scars, but optimal timing is unknown. To compare surgical scars treated with fractional carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser performed on Day 0 and Day 14. Prospective, randomized, split-scar, physician-blinded study of 30 surgical scars on the limbs. Scars halves received fractional CO 2 laser on either Day 0 or Day 14. Scar assessment at 6 months evaluated patient preference, physician modified Manchester Scar Scale (MMSS) score, and quantitative scar analysis on histology (fractal dimension [F D ] and lacunarity [L] analysis). There was no significant difference in patient assessment (54% preferred Day 0 side, 46% preferred Day 14 side, p = .58) or physician assessment (mean MMSS 8.4 for Day 0 vs 8.7 for Day 14, p = .28). Fractal dimensions were similar for both interventions (mean 1.778 for Day 0 vs 1.781 for Day 14, p = .80). Lacunarity was similar for both interventions (mean 0.368 for Day 0 vs 0.345 for Day 14, p = .44). Single-center study with wounds limited to limbs of skin Phototype I-II subjects; 4 of whom were lost to follow-up. Intraoperative CO 2 laser is noninferior to Day 14 laser resurfacing for surgical scar treatment.

Snail Soothing and Repairing Cream Improves Skin Hydration after Ablative Fractional CO2 Laser: A Split-Face Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: Ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser (AFCO2) resurfacing causes transient skin barrier disruption characterized by decreased skin hydration and increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Snail Soothing and Repairing (SSR) cream, containing several glycoproteins with potential antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, may benefit skin hydration promotion after the laser treatment. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of SSR cream in skin hydration promotion after AFCO2 resurfacing. Method: The study was a double-blinded, split-face, placebo-controlled trial in participants aged 18–50 years with atrophic acne scars on both cheeks. After AFCO2 resurfacing, participants applied the product or placebo on either cheek twice daily for 14 days. Corneometry, TEWL, colorimetry, and clinical assessments (edema, erythema, crusting, pruritus, and tightness score) were evaluated at baseline, day 7, and day 14 after AFCO2 resurfacing. Results: From 22 participants in the study, the SSR cream-treated sides showed significantly higher corneometry levels than placebo-treated sides at day 14 (p = 0.033), while TEWL and colorimetry levels were not different at any study visits. Pruritus and tightness scores of the SSR side were lower, but not significant, than the placebo. Other clinical assessments (edema, erythema, and crusting) showed similar results. No significant adverse events took place. Conclusion: The SSR cream significantly improved skin hydration, highlighting skin barrier restoration after AFCO2 resurfacing, with a good safety profile.

A split-face study of moisturizer containing Centella asiatica extract after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing

A split-face study of moisturizer containing Centella asiatica extract after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing

The Rise and Fall of the Pale Puffy Lower Eyelid Pillow.

This case series demonstrates an exaggerated form of the clinical presentation of a known distressing late complication of retained hyaluronic acid filler – the “pale puffy pillow.” This presentation is often, unfortunately for the patient, misdiagnosed as festoons. However, the correction with liberal hyaluronidase is simple. Additionally, we have demonstrated that ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is an excellent tool that may be utilized after hyaluronidase to correct the residual skin laxity.J Drugs Dermatol. 20(4):475-476. doi:10.36849/JDD.5509.

The Rise and Fall of the Pale Puffy Lower Eyelid Pillow

This case series demonstrates an exaggerated form of the clinical presentation of a known distressing late complication of retained hyaluronic acid filler – the “pale puffy pillow.” This presentation is often, unfortunately for the patient, misdiagnosed as festoons. However, the correction with liberal hyaluronidase is simple. Additionally, we have demonstrated that ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is an excellent tool that may be utilized after hyaluronidase to correct the residual skin laxity.J Drugs Dermatol. 20(4):475-476. doi:10.36849/JDD.5509

Combination Treatment of Intra/Perilesional Botulinum Toxin-A Injection and Ablative Fractional Laser for Better Clinical Outcomes of Hypertrophic Fibrotic Thyroidectomy Scars Following Fractional Ablative Laser Resurfacing.

BackgroundRecent reports have shown that intralesional botulinum toxin type-A (BTX-A) works on scar cosmesis.ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of combination treatment of laser and BTX-A injection and compare the effects of conventional intralesional injection and intra- and perilesional BTX-A injection on fibrotic thyroidectomy scars.MethodsPatients with fibrotic thyroidectomy scars showing insufficient responses to previous ablative fractional laser (AFL) treatment were enrolled. Combination treatment with AFL and BTX-A injection was performed. Patients who received intra/perilesional BTX-A injections were classified into group A. Group B was patients in whom the injection was performed only intralesionally. The improvement was assessed based on the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS).ResultsA total of 24 patients was included. Statistically significant improvement in pliability and total VSS score after the combination treatment were observed in overall patient group. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that pliability, height, and total VSS improved significantly in group A. In group B, only pliability significantly improved.ConclusionBTX-A injection combined with AFL can provide better relief for the previously treated fibrotic thyroidectomy scars. Injection of BTX-A not only into the scar itself, but also into perilesional muscles that can exert tension on the scar site may provide additional benefit in flattening scar height.

Ablative fractional laser resurfacing for treatment of sclerosis and contractures in chronic graft-versus-host disease: A pilot study

To the Editor: Cutaneous sclerosis is a disabling complication of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) that leads to joint contractures and reduced range of motion (ROM). Current therapies are limited by adverse effects and poor efficacy, and no systemic treatment successfully reverses cGVHD-induced sclerotic skin changes.1Dignan F.L. Amrolia P. Clark A. et al.Diagnosis and management of chronic graft-versus-host disease.Br J Haematol. 2012; 158: 46-61Crossref PubMed Scopus (126) Google Scholar There is an urgent need for therapies to address the debilitating effects of cutaneous sclerosis in cGVHD. The ablative fractional CO2 laser remodels collagen and reduces fibrosis. It has been used for treatment of scars and contractures secondary to linear morphea, burns, and traumatic injury, conditions resembling the sclerosis of cGVHD.2Kineston D. Kwan J.M. Uebelhoer N.S. Shumaker P.R. Use of a fractional ablative 10.6-mum carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of a morphea-related contracture.Arch Dermatol. 2011; 147: 1148-1150Crossref PubMed Scopus (39) Google Scholar, 3Ozog D.M. Liu A. Chaffins M.L. et al.Evaluation of clinical results, histological architecture, and collagen expression following treatment of mature burn scars with a fractional carbon dioxide laser.JAMA Dermatol. 2013; 149: 50-57Crossref PubMed Scopus (135) Google Scholar We evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the ablative fractional CO2 laser for cGVHD-related sclerosis and joint contractures. Six patients with cGVHD-related sclerosis were enrolled prospectively and completed the study. Eligible patients had clinically severe, refractory sclerosis from longstanding cGVHD, with demonstrable ROM limitation and contractures across a joint amenable to laser therapy. After administration of topical anesthesia, patients had 3 monthly treatments of an approximately 10 × 6-cm area of skin at the target joint using the 10 600-nm fractional Ultrapulse CO2 laser (Ultrapulse Encore; Lumenis, Inc, Santa Clara, CA) in Deep FX mode (energy settings, 20-25 mJ; density, 5%-15%). Photographs, ROM measurements, and high-resolution ultrasonography were recorded at baseline, 1 week after each laser session, and 3 months after the final session. Punch biopsy and patient and provider assessments, including validated health and disability questionnaires, were performed at baseline and 3 months after the final session. The study was approved by the University of Pennsylvania institutional review board, and all patients provided written informed consent. Before enrollment, patients had received a mean of 5.5 systemic therapies for cGVHD-related sclerosis. Laser treatments were well tolerated, without infectious or other serious complications. ROM measurements, particularly the twisting motions of supination and pronation, improved in all patients (Table I). Immunohistochemical analysis of skin biopsy specimens showed decreased thickened collagen bundles, decreased intensity of collagen staining, and greater abundance of type III collagen in treated areas (Fig 1).3Ozog D.M. Liu A. Chaffins M.L. et al.Evaluation of clinical results, histological architecture, and collagen expression following treatment of mature burn scars with a fractional carbon dioxide laser.JAMA Dermatol. 2013; 149: 50-57Crossref PubMed Scopus (135) Google Scholar Dermal echogenicity measured via high-resolution ultrasonography increased after the laser treatment, suggestive of collagen remodeling. Less haphazard organization of collagen is postulated to produce increased echogenicity.4Naouri M. Atlan M. Perrodeau E. et al.High-resolution ultrasound imaging to demonstrate and predict efficacy of carbon dioxide fractional resurfacing laser treatment.Dermatol Surg. 2011; 37: 596-603Crossref PubMed Scopus (30) Google Scholar Patient photographs and disability assessments similarly showed evidence of improvement.Table IChange in degrees of range of motion from baseline to 3 months after the final laser treatmentRange of motionPatient 1 (right wrist)Patient 2 (left foot)Patient 3 (right elbow)Patient 4 (left elbow)Patient 5 (left elbow)Patient 6 (right wrist)Wrist extension−1————+0.5Wrist flexion+25————+5Forearm pronation+11—+28+14.5+19+66Forearm supination+14—+19.5+14.5+2+2.5Elbow extension——+16.5+10—Ankle dorsiflexion—+21————Ankle plantarflexion—+4.5————Ankle inversion—+21————Ankle eversion—+6.5———— Open table in a new tab The results of this pilot study highlight the safety, tolerability, and potential efficacy of the fractional ablative CO2 laser for treatment of cGVHD-related sclerosis and joint contracture, resulting in small but measurable histologic, radiologic, and functional improvements. Small sample size, small treatment area, and imperfect objective response measures are limitations. Longer follow-up, larger treatment areas, use of other laser settings, and laser-assisted delivery of topical medications should be evaluated in future studies.5Waibel J.S. Wulkan A.J. Shumaker P.R. Treatment of hypertrophic scars using laser and laser assisted corticosteroid delivery.Lasers Surg Med. 2013; 45: 135-140Crossref PubMed Scopus (173) Google Scholar In summary, the fractional ablative CO2 laser was safe and well tolerated in a small group of medically complex patients with treatment-refractory cGVHD. Treatment of a target area of sclerotic skin appeared to induce collagen remodeling, with resulting modest improvement in ROM and joint function. These findings suggest that the fractional ablative CO2 laser may be an effective novel therapy for disabling sclerotic joint contractures in some patients with cGVHD. We are grateful for the support and collaboration of the Departments of Dermatology, Dermatopathology, Radiology, Physical Therapy, and Hematology/Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as for the patients who volunteered for this study.

Efficacy of stem cell-conditioned medium vs. platelet-rich plasma as an adjuvant to ablative fractional CO2 laser resurfacing for atrophic post-acne scars: a split-face clinical trial

Objectives To explore the impact of using topical stem cell-conditioned medium (SC-CM) after fractional carbon dioxide laser (FCL) vs. combined FCL and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or FCL alone in treatment of atrophic acne scars. Methods Thirty-three patients were randomly divided into two split-face groups. Group I (n = 17) received FCL plus topical SC-CM on one side or FCL plus saline on the other. Group II (n = 16) received FCL plus topical PRP or SC-CM. All patients had three monthly sessions. Clinical assessment was done at each visit, with a final assessment after 3 months. Skin biopsies were obtained for histological and quantitative molecular analysis after treatment. Results No significant difference in clinical improvement of acne scars was observed between the FCL/SC-CM and FCL only sides (p = .63), while better and faster improvement was detected on FCL/PRP side compared to FCL/SC-CM side (p = .006). There was no significant difference in downtime or adverse effects between the treated sides in either group. Dermal collagen was increased and procollagen type I gene was upregulated in both FCL/PRP and FCL/SC-CM sides compared to FCL only sides (p = .001 and p = .041, respectively). Conclusions Topical SC-CM could potentially enhance the efficacy of FCL. However, PRP seems to be a better alternative.

Comparison of a novel wound dressing vs current clinical practice after laser resurfacing

There are many postprocedure skin care options, but no consensus on the best formulation to optimize healing. Silicone gels have only been used to treat keloids and hypertrophic scars and typically applied after the wound has healed. This study compared the healing response after fractional ablative erbium laser resurfacing with a petrolatum-based ointment and a silicone gel. A randomized, open-label, split-face study was performed. Ten subjects underwent Erbium:YAG (Sciton) fractional laser resurfacing. Patients were randomized to apply a petrolatum-based gel or a silicone gel (Stratacel® ; Stratpharma) on either the right or left side of the face. Subjects applied the products twice a day for 7days and were evaluated in person 7, 30, and 60days postprocedure. Subjects reported on the overall general aesthetic outcome, perceived pain, itch, and tightness via questionnaires using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale and the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS). All subjects healed without complications. By day 60, there was no difference in signs and symptoms of healing between the two different dressing approaches. However, patients treated with the silicone gel had less post-treatment erythema and hyperpigmentation. A novel silicone gel resulted in reduced signs of erythema and hyperpigmentation postprocedure, without an increase in adverse events. Additionally, the silicone gel dries to form a thin, full contact film and can be covered with sunscreen or cosmetics once dry. This new silicone gel presents a good option for postprocedure care after ablative fractional laser resurfacing.

Local and systemic effects of low-level light therapy with light-emitting diodes to improve erythema after fractional ablative skin resurfacing: a controlled study.

Therapy with light-emitting diodes (LED) has been associated with the reduction of erythema and accelerated wound healing. LED phototherapy has been used in various clinical practices including post-laser wound healing enhancement. Fractional laser resurfacing is one of the popular dermatological procedures; however, the duration and degree of downtime may limit daily life activity and studies on the effect of LED low-level light therapy (LED-LLLT) on post-ablative laser wound care are still limited. To evaluate local and systemic effects of LED-LLLT on post-ablative laser erythema and wound healing acceleration after fractional ablative laser resurfacing. The study was divided into two arms. First, a prospective split-face randomized controlled and single-blinded study involved 17 patients (split-face group) to determine the local and systemic effect of LED-LLLT. Patients with acne scars or rhytides were treated with a single session of fractional CO2 laser followed by 830/590nm LED-LLLT on one side of their faces. The duration of post-laser erythema, the erythema index, and transepidermal water loss were collected at baseline, and compared with 7-daily follow-up visits posttreatment for the non LED- and LED-treated sides. The second controlled arm of the study was performed on an additional 19 subjects (CO2 group). The patients received a single fractional CO2 laser treatment without any LED-LLLT with the same follow-up protocol. All measurements were compared with the results from the patients from the split-face group. In the split-face group, the duration of erythema post laser was equal (7.4 ± 2.8days). No significant reduction in the erythema index and transepidermal water loss was seen in the LED-treated vs the non-treated side (p values = 0.99 and 0.78 respectively). For the second part of the study that compared the results between the split-face group and the control CO2 only group, the duration of the post-laser erythema was comparable (p value = 0.32). However, the percentage difference of the erythema index from baseline in the split-face group was significantly lower than the CO2 group on days 1, 4, 5, and 7 post-laser treatment (p value = 0.03 on days 1, 4, 5, and 0.04 on day 7) and the LED-treated side provided the lowest percentage difference of the erythema index followed by the non LED-treated side compared with the control CO2 only group. 830/590nm LED-LLLT may provide both local and systemic effects on the degree of post-ablative laser erythema in human skin, however, appropriate protocol settings should be considered to achieve a significant clinical outcome.

Smallpox scars treated with a combination of conventional ablative and fractional ablative laser resurfacing

Smallpox scars treated with a combination of conventional ablative and fractional ablative laser resurfacing

The effects of recombinant human epidermal growth factor containing ointment on wound healing and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation prevention after fractional ablative skin resurfacing: A split-face randomized controlled study.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is one of the important peptides in wound healing process. The effects of EGF have been increasingly studied in various types of ulcers. However, data on postablative laser resurfacing wound is still limited. To evaluate the effects of the topical EGF ointment on wound healing process and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) prevention after fractional ablative laser resurfacing. This is a randomized split-face study. Nineteen healthy subjects were enrolled and completed follow up protocol. Patients received single treatment of fractional carbon dioxide laser on both cheeks. After randomization, each patient was assigned to apply one side of the face with topical EGF ointment and another side with petrolatum. Wound healing was evaluated by duration of scab shedding, duration of postlaser erythema, erythema index, and transepidermal water loss on the daily follow up period of seven days after treatment. PIH was evaluated at 2, 3weeks and 1, 2months follow up by photographs and melanin index. Most of patients were female with Fitzpatrick skin phototype III to V. Comparing with control (petrolatum), EGF treated side showed no significant difference in duration of scab shedding, duration of postlaser erythema, erythema index, and transepidermal water loss (P-value=.58, .22, .78, and .51, respectively). Incidence of PIH was 52.6% on EGF side and 57.9% on petrolatum side, however, it was not statistically different (P=.56). The melanin index was also not different as well (P=.96). Topical EGF might provide significant wound healing stimulation for chronic wound more than acute wound. Further studies, especially in post laser wound or other cosmetic purposes are needed.

Ablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing With Laser-Assisted Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil for the Treatment of Cicatricial Ectropion and Periocular Scarring.

Cicatricial ectropion and periocular scarring can cause significant functional and cosmetic deficits. Surgical treatments can be associated with recicatrization, donor site morbidity, and textural and pigmentary abnormalities. This case series reports on efficacy and safety of a novel nonsurgical approach to treating cicatricial ectropion using ablative fractional laser resurfacing and laser-assisted delivery of 5-fluorouracil. A retrospective review was conducted of all patients at a single institution who received ≥3 rounds of ablative fractional laser resurfacing with laser-assisted delivery of 5-fluorouracil. Six patients with cicatricial ectropion and periocular scarring secondary to reconstructive surgery, traumatic lacerations, and facial burns were included. Aesthetic and functional improvement were evaluated via fluorescein staining, tear breakup time, external photography, questionnaires gauging dry eye symptoms, and scar appearance. All patients showed functional improvement based on fluorescein staining (mean improvement 6.0 ± 1.4; p = 0.0007) and other indicators of dry eye. All 4 patients with lagophthalmos improved and 2 showed complete resolution. All patients demonstrated significant cosmetic improvement based on a validated scar assessment questionnaire (mean improvement 37.5 ± 18.9; p = 0.004), and 5 of 6 patients reported improved satisfaction with scar appearance (mean improvement 19.3 ± 12.8; p = 0.014). There were no adverse effects reported. Ablative fractional laser resurfacing with laser-assisted delivery of 5-fluorouracil appears to be a safe and effective modality for treating the functional and aesthetic abnormalities associated with periocular scarring, yielding results that are difficult to attain through surgery alone. Optimal management of cicatricial ectropion and periocular scarring often requires multimodality treatment, and ablative fractional laser resurfacing with laser-assisted delivery of 5-fluorouracil may be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to managing periocular scars.

1406 The effects of antimicrobial peptides and hyaluronic acid compound mask on wound healing after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing

1406 The effects of antimicrobial peptides and hyaluronic acid compound mask on wound healing after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing

Laser-Assisted Delivery Of Cold Atmospheric Plasma In Unresectable Cutaneous Metastasis In Melanoma Patients

According to the World Health Organization, the incidence of melanoma is increasing faster than that of any other major cancer in the world. Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the United States, posing a substantial health and economic burden. Treatment of early and multiple cutaneous unresectable metastasis in melanoma patients is a major therapeutic problem. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) contains electrons, charged particles, radicals, various excited molecules, UV photons, and transient electric fields. These various compositional elements have the potential either to enhance cellular activity, or to disrupt it. In particular, based on this unique composition, CAP could offer a minimally-invasive surgical approach allowing for specific cancer cell or tumor tissue removal without influencing healthy cells. Topical application of treatment agents is a basic principle of dermatological therapy. However, the effective barrier function of the skin significantly impairs the bioavailability of most topical drugs. Fractional ablative lasers represent an innovative strategy to overcome the epidermal barrier in a standardized, contact-free manner. The bioavailability of topical agents can be significantly enhanced using laser-assisted delivery. Ablative fractional laser resurfacing creates vertical channels that might assist the delivery of topically applied cold plasma into cutaneous melanoma metastasis. For lesions refractory to elective treatments, the laser-assisted drug delivery technique combined with cold atmospheric plasma may present a new potential option. We report on a pilot study showing a proof of concept for enhancing topical cold atmospheric plasma permeation into depth by ablative fractional laser technique.

Pediatric dermatology procedures and pearls: Multimodal revision of earlobe keloids.

Keloid scars are benign proliferations of fibrous tissue and collagen that usually occur in response to cutaneous injury. Many treatment modalities have been described in the literature, with variable rates of recurrence and no clear consensus. Keloids remain a therapeutic challenge to patients and physicians alike. Herein we describe a novel technique for treating recurrent earlobe keloids in an outpatient setting with multimodal therapy including shave removal followed immediately by ablative fractional laser resurfacing (AFR) and laser-assisted delivery (LAD) of corticosteroids.

Fractional carbon dioxide laser versus low-dose UVA-1 phototherapy for treatment of localized scleroderma: a clinical and immunohistochemical randomized controlled study

Morphea is a rare fibrosing skin disorder that occurs as a result of abnormal homogenized collagen synthesis. Fractional ablative laser resurfacing has been used effectively in scar treatment via abnormal collagen degradation and induction of healthy collagen synthesis. Therefore, fractional ablative laser can provide an effective modality in treatment of morphea. The study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of fractional carbon dioxide laser as a new modality for the treatment of localized scleroderma and to compare its results with the well-established method of UVA-1 phototherapy. Seventeen patients with plaque and linear morphea were included in this parallel intra-individual comparative randomized controlled clinical trial. Each with two comparable morphea lesions that were randomly assigned to either 30 sessions of low-dose (30J/cm2) UVA-1 phototherapy (340-400nm) or 3 sessions of fractional CO2 laser (10,600nm-power 25W). The response to therapy was then evaluated clinically and histopathologically via validated scoring systems. Immunohistochemical analysis of TGF-ß1 and MMP1 was done. Patient satisfaction was also assessed. Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired (matched) samples and Spearman rank correlation equation were used as indicated. Comparing the two groups, there was an obvious improvement with fractional CO2 laser that was superior to that of low-dose UVA-1 phototherapy. Statistically, there was a significant difference in the clinical scores (p = 0.001), collagen homogenization scores (p = 0.012), and patient satisfaction scores (p = 0.001). In conclusion, fractional carbon dioxide laser is a promising treatment modality for cases of localized morphea, with proved efficacy of this treatment on clinical and histopathological levels.

A Combination Approach to Surgical Scars.

Scar formation from surgical procedures is an unavoidable risk. Despite measures taken by both the surgeon and patient during the perioperative and postoperative periods to maximize cosmesis, some patients will wish to pursue surgical or laser scar revision. The authors propose a treatment algorithm to assist in approaching surgical scar revision with combination treatments. A PubMed search was performed on various surgical scar revision techniques. The authors augment these findings with their own personal experiences. Reports of surgical excision, intralesional corticosteroid injection, intralesional 5-fluorouracil injection, pulse dye laser treatment, nonablative fractional laser resurfacing, ablative fractional laser resurfacing, and microneedling and fractional needle radiofrequency, used in isolation or combination, were found. The authors also provide clinical photographs documenting improvement in appearance of surgical scars using these treatments. Surgical scars are best treated with a combination approach to address various features of the scar. The authors propose a treatment algorithm with multiple treatment options and how to combine them safely and effectively.