Erschienen in:
14.07.2016 | Medical Surgery (M Alam, Section Editor)
Treatment of Surgical Scars with Laser Therapy
verfasst von:
Laurel Naversen Geraghty, Zakia Rahman
Erschienen in:
Current Dermatology Reports
|
Ausgabe 3/2016
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Abstract
Purpose of Review
Numerous lasers and other energy-based devices have been explored in the treatment of scarring. The following review of the literature examines types of post-operative scarring, features that distinguish scars from normal skin, the pathogenesis of these skin changes, the evidence for laser and other energy-based modalities in the treatment of postsurgical scars, scar prevention using lasers, and future directions for therapy.
Recent Findings
Utilization of laser and light-based therapies can induce scar remodeling and significantly improve scar appearance. Pulse dye lasers have been the mainstay in laser-based scar therapy. Fractional lasers have provided a major breakthrough in the treatment of scars in all skin types.
Summary
Based on current research, the most efficacious laser therapies include pulsed dye laser for erythematous, hypertrophic, or keloidal scars; fractional non-ablative lasers for atrophic, hypopigmented scars in almost all skin types; and fractional ablative lasers for patients and clinicians who wish to maximize scar improvements while reducing downtime relative to fully ablative laser technologies.