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Non‐ablative fractional laser provides long‐term improvement of mature burn scars–A randomized controlled trial with histological assessment
Author(s) -
Taudorf Elisabeth H.,
Danielsen Patricia L.,
Paulsen Ida F.,
TogsverdBo Katrine,
Dierickx Christine,
Paasch Uwe,
Haedersdal Merete
Publication year - 2015
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.22289
Subject(s) - medicine , ablative case , scars , erythema , hyperpigmentation , surgery , randomized controlled trial , adverse effect , histology , dermatology , radiation therapy
Background and Objectives Non‐ablative fractional laser‐treatment is evolving for burn scars. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and histological long‐term outcome of 1,540 nm fractional Erbium: Glass laser, targeting superficial, and deep components of mature burn scars. Materials & Methods Side‐by‐side scar‐areas were randomized to untreated control or three monthly non‐ablative fractional laser‐treatments using superficial and extra‐deep handpieces. Patient follow‐up were at 1, 3, and 6 months. Primary outcome was improvement in overall scar‐appearance on a modified‐Patient‐and‐Observer‐Scar‐Assessment‐Scale (mPOSAS, 1 = “normal skin”, 10 = “worst imaginable scar”). Secondary outcomes included histology, patient satisfaction (0–10), patient‐assessed improvement, and safety. Results Study was completed by 17 of 20 randomized patients with normotrophic ( n = 11), hypertrophic ( n = 5) or atrophic ( n = 1) scars. Scar‐appearance improved from laser‐treatments ( P < 0.001 vs. untreated) and histology at 6 months supported collagen‐remodeling. Improvement appeared continuously during the post‐operative period (mPOSAS baseline: 7 [5–8], 6 months: 4 [3–5] P = < 0.001). At 6 months, patients were satisfied with treatment (6 [3–9]) and 82% reported improved scar‐texture. Treatments caused mild to moderate pain (4 [2–7]). Adverse effects decreased during follow‐up and at final assessment, discrete erythema, hyperpigmentation or imprints from laser‐grid were present in 11 patients. No patients experienced worsening of scar‐appearance. Conclusions Combined superficial and deep non‐ablative fractional laser‐treatments induce long‐term clinical and histological improvement of mature burn scars. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:141–147, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.