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Treatment of traumatic scars using plasma skin regeneration (PSR) system
Author(s) -
Kono Taro,
Groff William Frederick,
Sakurai Hiroyuki,
Yamaki Takashi,
Soejima Kazukata,
Nozaki Motohiro
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.20723
Subject(s) - scars , medicine , hypopigmentation , hyperpigmentation , surgery , dermatology
Objectives Several modalities have been advocated to treat traumatic scars, including surgical techniques and laser resurfacing. Recently, a plasma skin regeneration (PSR) system has been investigated. There are no reports on plasma treatment of traumatic scars. The objective of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness and complications of plasma treatment of traumatic scars in Asian patients. Materials and Methods Twenty Asian patients with traumatic scars were enrolled in the study. Three treatments were performed at monthly intervals with PSR, using energy settings of 2 to 3J. Patients were seen 1 week after each individual treatment and 3 months after the last treatment. Improvement was determined by patient questionnaires and physician evaluation of digital photographs taken prior to treatment and at 3 months post‐treatment. The patients were also evaluated for any side effects from the treatment. Results Nine of 20 patients showed more than 50% improvement. The average pain score on a 10 point scale was 5.8±1.3 SD and all patients tolerated the treatments. The average re‐epithelization time was 7.3±2.8 SD days. Temporary and local hyperpigmentation was observed in four patients and this hyperpigmentation disappeared within 3 months. Hypopigmentation and worsening of scarring were not observed. Conclusions Plasma treatment is clinically effective and is associated with minimal complications when used to treat traumatic scars in Asian patients. However, deep traumatic scars are resistant to plasma treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:128–130, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.