IMCAS Academy International
Program

Objectives: Lasers have a definite role in treating scars in dark skin phototype.A right choice of single or multiple lasers is important.All non ablative lasers can be used with right fluences for all skin types.Ablative should be avoided for skin type V &VI to avoid hyperpigmentation.

Introduction: Scars are a natural part of the body's healing process. Scars can result from accidents,burns,certain skin diseases,surgeries and skin conditions such as acne. Most wounds result in some degree of scarring.Scars form when the dermis of skin is damaged. The body forms new collagen fibers to repair the damage, resulting in a scar.Darker skins show more scars as they have more naturally occurring melanin in the outer surface, or epidermis.Scarring can be treated effectively with Laser but in darker skins choice of Laser and right Fluence is important.

Materials / method: While choosing Laser treatment for Scars type of scar and Skin type both have to be considered.Scars are classified based both on their color and texture. According to color they may be- skin colored, red, brown or white. According to texture- they may be depressed scar (ice pick, boxcar, rolling), elevated, hypertrophic/ keloidal.
In India we are treating skin type III,IV &V.We have used multiple lasers(Mostly Non ablative/Minimally ablative) alone or in combination for very gratifying results.Choosing the right Laser and the parameters for the dark skin prototype is the key to a good result.

Results: We used Fractional 1320 and 1440nm laser for resurfacing,good for depressed &raised scar.QSW 1064nm to treat PIH associated with scarring.NdYAG 1064nm long pulse laser to improve PIH,red scars and skin texture.Pulse dye laser 595nm to treat red and hypertrophic scars.ERBIUM YAG-NdYAG Short pulse laser,helps in depressed and elevated scars,very good for acne scars.All these can be used for all skin types.In some cases we used FRACTIONAL CO2 -10600nm,Best for depressed scars but should be avoided for skin type V &VI

Conclusion: Lasers have a definite role in treating scars in dark skin phototype.A right choice of single or multiple lasers is important.All non ablative lasers can be used with right fluences for all skin types.Ablative should be avoided for skin type V &VI to avoid hyperpigmentation.

Disclosures

Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No

Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No

Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No

Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No

This work was not supported by any direct or non direct funding. It is under the author's own responsability