Objectives: The aim of this study is to clinically assess scar formation after three non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL)-exposures, targeting inflammation-, proliferation- and remodelling wound healing phases versus untreated controls.
Introduction: Within recent years, various lasers have been applied during wound healing to minimize scar formation. However, no consensus regarding treatment procedures exists.
Materials / method: A randomized, controlled trial was performed using a split-wound design to assess excisional wound-halves treated with 1540 nm NAFL versus no laser treatment. Three NAFL-exposures were provided respectively: immediately before surgery, at suture removal and six weeks after surgery. NAFL-exposures were applied using two hand-pieces, sequentially distributing energy deeply and more superficially in the skin (40-50mJ/microbeam). Evaluated at 3 months follow-up, primary outcome was blinded, on-site evaluation on Patient-Observer-Scar-Assessment-Scale (POSAS-total, range 6=normal skin to 60=worst i
Results: Thirty of 32 patients completed the trial. At three months follow-up, NAFL-treated scar halves showed improvement compared to untreated control halves on POSAS-total (NAFL-treated median 11[9-12] vs control median 12[10-16], P=.001). POSAS-subitems showed that NAFL-treated halves were significantly less red, more pliable, and presented with smoother relief compared to untreated controls.
Conclusion: In conclusion NAFL-treated scars showed improvement when compared to untreated control scars.
Declaraciones
¿Ha recibido algún tipo de financiamiento para realizar su investigación sobre esta temática?
No
¿Ha recibido algún pago, honorario u otra compensación por su trabajo acerca de esta investigación?
No
¿Tiene vínculos financieros con alguna entidad que podría llegar a competir estrechamente con los medicamentos, materiales o instrumentos tratados en su investigación?
No
¿Posee o ha solicitado una patente relacionada a los materiales, productos o instrumentos utilizados en su investigación?
No
Este trabajo no cuenta con el apoyo de ningún financiamiento directo o indirecto. El autor asume plena responsabilidad sobre el mismo.