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Zhang MX, Hu X, Wang Y, Chen L, Shao WN, Chen CY, Xu FW, Gu ZC, Tan WQ. Evaluation of combining ultrapulse CO 2 with fractional CO 2 laser for the treatment of atrophic scars in Asians. Lasers Med Sci 2024; 39:89. [PMID: 38453744 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-024-04012-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Various treatment modalities have been applied to atrophic scars. Fractional CO2 laser treatment has attracted increasingly more attention because of its quicker recovery time and fewer side effects. However, its limitation of sculpting the edge is an urgent shortcoming. In order to achieve a more effective result with fewer complications, we have integrated ultrapulse CO2 and fractional CO2 lasers to for the treatment of facial atrophic scars. The study included 25 patients (10 males and 15 females) diagnosed with moderate to severe atrophic scars between August 2020 and July 2022. All subjects underwent the same surgical treatment. The effects were assessed at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months using photographic evidence. Objective evaluation of the results was conducted using a quartile grading scale, while the subjects' satisfaction and any adverse events were also recorded. The patients in the study underwent more than two laser sessions (2-5), resulting in substantial improvement in their appearance. The time interval between each session was 3-6 months. The majority of the patients (19/25, 76%) had a significant or even excellent improvement. Any adverse events observed, such as erythema, superficial crusting, and PIH, were of a mild nature and temporary in duration. This treatment combined two CO2 lasers is an effective and safe choice for atrophic scars in Asians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Xia Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Qingchun East Road 3#, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian Hu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Qingchun East Road 3#, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Qingchun East Road 3#, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Qingchun East Road 3#, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Na Shao
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Ye Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Qingchun East Road 3#, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fa-Wei Xu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Qingchun East Road 3#, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Chun Gu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Qingchun East Road 3#, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Qiang Tan
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Qingchun East Road 3#, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
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Guo H, Zhang X, Li H, Fu C, Jiang L, Hu Y, Huang J, Chen J, Zeng Q. Dynamic panoramic presentation of skin function after fractional CO 2 laser treatment. iScience 2023; 26:107559. [PMID: 37649701 PMCID: PMC10462835 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fractional CO2 laser, as a typical ablative laser, has been used to assist in the treatment of many skin diseases, such as photoaging, atrophic scar, hypertrophic scar, superficial pigmentation, vitiligo, and so on. However, the dynamic changes in skin function after fractional CO2 laser treatment are still unclear. This study explored the changes in local skin function and possible regulatory mechanisms after fractional CO2 laser treatment for 1, 3, 5, and 7 days through transcriptome high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that fractional CO2 laser tended to transform the "lesions" into "normal skin", regulate the skin barrier, coordinate the rearrangement of collagen, enhance the local microvascular circulation, activate the immune system to secrete a large number of cytokines, and act as an auxiliary tool to assist drug transport. In conclusion, according to the basic principle of destruction before reconstruction, fractional CO2 laser plays a key role of balancer in skin reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Chuhan Fu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Ling Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yibo Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Jinhua Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Qinghai Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
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Mahar PD, Spinks AB, Cleland H, Bekhor P, Waibel JS, Lo C, Goodman G. Improvement of Burn Scars Treated With Fractional Ablative CO2 Lasers—A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Using the Vancouver Scar Scale. J Burn Care Res 2020; 42:200-206. [DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/iraa130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Fractional ablative CO2 laser is being used increasingly to treat burn scars; however, objective measures of outcome success vary widely. This systematic review and meta-analysis extracts and pools available data to assess the outcomes of patients with burn scars treated with fractional ablative CO2 laser. A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the gray literature was performed. The review included studies that reported patients with a confirmed diagnosis of scarring as a result of a burn injury, who were treated with fractional ablative CO2 laser and whose progress was recorded using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Eight studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Treatment regimens varied amongst studies, as did patient outcomes. Pooled data revealed an average VSS improvement of 29% across 282 patients following fractional CO2 ablative laser treatment. Although the heterogeneity of treatment regimens across studies limits this systematic review’s ability to provide specific treatment recommendations, the overall trend towards improvement of burns scars treated with fractional CO2 laser based on the VSS encourages further exploration of this modality as a therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Mahar
- Skin Health Institute and Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Heather Cleland
- Victorian Adult Burns Service, The Alfred Hospital and Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philip Bekhor
- Department of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Royal Children’s Hospital and Laser Dermatology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jill S Waibel
- Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, Miami, Florida
| | - Cheng Lo
- Victorian Adult Burns Service, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gregory Goodman
- Skin Health Institute and Dermatology Institute of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
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Jin W, Li Z, Jin Z, Jin C. A novel technique for treating atrophic facial scars in Asians using ultra-pulse CO 2 laser. J Cosmet Dermatol 2020; 19:1099-1104. [PMID: 32073746 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Fractional lasers have become increasingly popular for treating atrophic scars, but their effectiveness is limited for deeper scars. We developed a novel technique (manual fractional thermal contraction technology, MFTCT) using an ultra-pulse CO2 laser and evaluated its efficacy and safety for treating atrophic facial scars. METHODS A total of 44 patients with atrophic facial scars were treated with MFTCT every 8 weeks for 1-4 times. Overall scar improvement was assessed by photographs taken at baseline and 3 months after the last treatment according to the 4-point global assessment scale (GAS) and ECCA grading scale. Improvements in color, distortion, and texture were assessed by the modified Manchester Scar Scale and scored individually from 1 to 4. Pain degrees and adverse reactions during and after treatment were recorded. RESULTS A total of 44 patients completed the treatment and follow-ups; of them, 89% reported at least 50% overall improvement after the last treatment. The mean ECCA scores fell from 67.50 ± 23.98 to 45.68 ± 18.57 (a 32% improvement), and the change was significant (P = .000). The average score for overall improvement was 3.48. The average scores for color, distortion, and texture were 3.07 ± 0.62, 3.27 ± 0.50, and 3.52 ± 0.51, respectively. Mean pain degree score was 4.27 ± 1.04, and mean erythema duration was 28.43 ± 6.58 days. Some patients developed pigmentation for a few months that resolved with topical treatment. CONCLUSION Manual fractional thermal contraction technology has definite clinical efficacy in the treatment of atrophic facial scars with fewer adverse reactions and is worth using in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Jin
- Department of Dermatology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
| | - Zhouna Li
- Department of Dermatology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
| | - Zhehu Jin
- Department of Dermatology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
| | - Chenglong Jin
- Department of Dermatology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China.,Department of Dermatology, Suzhou Mylike Cosmetic Hospital, Suzhou, China
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5
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Seago M, Shumaker PR, Spring LK, Alam M, Al-Niaimi F, Rox Anderson R, Artzi O, Bayat A, Cassuto D, Chan HH, Dierickx C, Donelan M, Gauglitz GG, Leo Goo B, Goodman GJ, Gurtner G, Haedersdal M, Krakowski AC, Manuskiatti W, Norbury WB, Ogawa R, Ozog DM, Paasch U, Victor Ross E, Tretti Clementoni M, Waibel J. Laser Treatment of Traumatic Scars and Contractures: 2020 International Consensus Recommendations. Lasers Surg Med 2020; 52:96-116. [PMID: 31820478 DOI: 10.1002/lsm.23201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There is currently intense multidisciplinary interest and a maturing body of literature regarding laser treatments for traumatic scars, but international treatment guidelines and reimbursement schemes have not yet caught up with current knowledge and practice in many centers. The authors intend to highlight the tremendous potential of laser techniques, offer recommendations for safe and efficacious treatment, and promote wider patient access guided by future high-quality research. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS An international panel of 26 dermatologists and plastic and reconstructive surgeons from 13 different countries and a variety of practice backgrounds was self-assembled to develop updated consensus recommendations for the laser treatment of traumatic scars. A three-step modified Delphi method took place between March 2018 and March 2019 consisting of two rounds of emailed questionnaires and supplementary face-to-face meetings. The panel members approved the final manuscript via email correspondence, and the threshold for consensus was at least 80% concurrence among the panel members. RESULTS The manuscript includes extensive detailed discussion regarding a variety of laser platforms commonly used for traumatic scar management such as vascular lasers and ablative and non-ablative fractional lasers, special considerations such as coding and laser treatments in skin of color, and 25 summary consensus recommendations. CONCLUSIONS Lasers are a first-line therapy in the management of traumatic scars and contractures, and patients without access to these treatments may not be receiving the best available care after injury. Updated international treatment guidelines and reimbursement schemes, additional high-quality research, and patient access should reflect this status. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Seago
- Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California, 92134
- Fellow, Micrographic Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California, 92037
| | - Peter R Shumaker
- Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California, 92134
| | - Leah K Spring
- Fellow, Micrographic Surgery and Surgical Oncology, SkinCare Physicians, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, 02467
| | - Murad Alam
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, 60611
| | | | - R Rox Anderson
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114
| | - Ofir Artzi
- Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ardeshir Bayat
- Division of Dermatology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Henry Hl Chan
- Private Practice and Department of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Matthias Donelan
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children-Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114
| | - Gerd G Gauglitz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Ludwig Maximillian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Boncheol Leo Goo
- Naeum Dermatology and Aesthetic Clinic/Skin Rehabilitation Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Greg J Goodman
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Gurtner
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, 94305
| | - Merete Haedersdal
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andrew C Krakowski
- Division of Dermatology, St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 18015
| | | | - William B Norbury
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Shriners Hospital for Children-Galveston, Galveston, Texas, 77550
| | - Rei Ogawa
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - David M Ozog
- Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, 48202
| | - Uwe Paasch
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Jill Waibel
- Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, Miami, Florida, 33173
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Guertler A, Reinholz M, Poetschke J, Steckmeier S, Schwaiger H, Gauglitz GG. Objective evaluation of the efficacy of a non-ablative fractional 1565 nm laser for the treatment of deliberate self-harm scars. Lasers Med Sci 2017; 33:241-250. [PMID: 29080008 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-017-2348-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Scars resulting from deliberate self-harm (DSH) represent therapeutically challenging forms of scarring due to their highly variable patterns, with no official therapeutic guidelines available. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a non-ablative fractional Er:glass 1565 nm laser, as a potential new, minimal-invasive approach for the improvement of DSH scars. Sixteen Caucasians suffering from mature DSH scars were included in this clinical study. Patients received a total of three treatments using a non-ablative fractional 1565 nm Er:glass laser every 4 weeks, employing two passes (300 μbeams/cm2, 40 mJ, onto the scar; 150 μbeams/cm2, 50 mJ, overall area). Measurements included questionnaires (DLQI, POSAS), digital photography, and objective three-dimensional analysis using PRIMOS and VECTRA software at baseline, 1 and 6 months after treatment. PRIMOS objective measurements showed highly significant changes in scar surface with a reduction of atrophic lesions by 27.5% at 6 months follow-up (FU), a decrease in scar height by 42.7% at 6 months FU, resulting in an overall diminished skin irregularity dropping from 678.3 μm at baseline to 441.6 μm throughout the course of the study (p = <0.001 respectively). Improvements in objective measurements were supported by clinical evaluation of scar parameters and showed a strong correlation with enhanced life quality of treated patients. Procedures were well-tolerated, with no lasting negative side effects and little to no downtime. The use of a fractional non-ablative 1565 nm Er:glass laser represents a promising and safe approach for the therapy of DSH scars. Although these scars will never fully resolve, their appearance can be significantly improved to a cosmetically and socially more acceptable appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Guertler
- Clinic of Dermatology and Allergy, Department for Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, Munich, Germany.
| | - Markus Reinholz
- Clinic of Dermatology and Allergy, Department for Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Julian Poetschke
- Department for Plastic and Handsurgery, Regional Burn Center, Klinikum St. Georg, 04129, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephanie Steckmeier
- Clinic of Dermatology and Allergy, Department for Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Hannah Schwaiger
- Clinic of Dermatology and Allergy, Department for Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerd G Gauglitz
- Clinic of Dermatology and Allergy, Department for Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, Munich, Germany
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Abstract
This article provides an overview of scar management within the forehead region. It addresses the unique challenges specific to the treatment of forehead wounds. A logical, stepwise approach is used. A subsite based treatment algorithm is provided along with a review of current best practices. Pertinent case examples are included for demonstration purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Heffelfinger
- Division of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, 925 Chestnut Street, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
| | - Akshay Sanan
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, 925 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Lucas M Bryant
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, 925 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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8
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Combination laser treatment for immediate post-surgical scars: a retrospective analysis of 33 immature scars. Lasers Med Sci 2017; 32:1111-1119. [PMID: 28466198 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-017-2215-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The application of laser treatments beginning on the day of stitch removal has been demonstrated to improve scar quality. However, there are few guidelines for the treatment of immature scars (ISs), which are defined as "scars whose features are not yet expressed." The purpose of this study was to extract information about early combination laser treatment (CLT) beyond what is currently known by analyzing 33 pairs of pre-treatment and post-treatment photographs of ISs. Two hundred fifty medical records of patients with scars were reviewed, and 33 scars were included in the study. The included scars were treated with vascular lasers (585 or 532 nm) followed by 1550-nm fractional lasers from May 2014 to July 2015 (fewer than 52 days after stitch removal, Fitzpatrick's skin types III-IV, mean age = 16.0 years). Blinded evaluators (one plastic surgeon and two dermatologists) evaluated the pre-treatment and post-treatment photographs. The pre-treatment photographs were scored on a spectrum from "0," when no difference with the surrounding unaffected skin was observed, to "100," when the worst scarring was present. The pre-treatment and post-treatment photographs were compared, and the results were graded on a spectrum from 0, when no difference between the pre-treatment and post-treatment photographs was observed, to 100, when no difference was observed between the post-treatment skin and the surrounding unaffected skin. Statistical analyses were performed with PASW 17.0, SPSS Korea, Seoul, Korea (p < 0.05). The improvement scores (ImS) and weighted scores (Wtd: i.e., weighted according to the pre-treatment scores) were used as dependent variables. The average improvement score was 87.98 (median = 90). Seventeen cases were scored as 100-point improvements. The facial and non-facial scars exhibited differences in the ImS and Wtd scores. The Wtd scores were negatively correlated with the temporal gap (in days) between stitch removal and the beginning of CLT. No significant difference in the Wtd scores was demonstrated between the two vascular laser groups. Patient age and Wtd score were negatively correlated, and a significant difference was observed in the Wtd scores between the age groups (≥15 and <15 years old). CLT for ISs results in excellent outcomes. Better results are achieved with earlier CLT initiation following stitch removal. Better outcomes can be expected for younger patients and for facial scars. We found that 532 and 585-nm lasers are equally effective for CLT of ISs.
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Baca ME, Neaman KC, Rapp DA, Burton ME, Mann RJ, Renucci JD. Reduction of post-surgical scarring with the use of ablative fractional CO2lasers: A pilot study using a porcine model. Lasers Surg Med 2016; 49:122-128. [DOI: 10.1002/lsm.22521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marissa E. Baca
- Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University; Plastic Surgery Residency; Grand Rapids Michigan 49503
| | - Keith C. Neaman
- Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University; Plastic Surgery Residency; Grand Rapids Michigan 49503
- Neaman Plastic Surgery; Salem; Oregon 97302
| | - Derek A. Rapp
- Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University; Plastic Surgery Residency; Grand Rapids Michigan 49503
| | - Michael E. Burton
- Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University; Plastic Surgery Residency; Grand Rapids Michigan 49503
| | - Robert J. Mann
- Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University; Plastic Surgery Residency; Grand Rapids Michigan 49503
- Helen DeVos Children's Hospital; Grand Rapids Michigan 49503
| | - John D. Renucci
- Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University; Plastic Surgery Residency; Grand Rapids Michigan 49503
- Plastic Surgery Associates; P.C.; Grand Rapids Michigan 49503
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although lasers can improve burn scars, such treatment has not been adopted universally, due to operational challenges starting a practice and the perception that such a program is not financially viable. We report the logistics of building a laser practice for the treatment of hypertrophic burn scars. METHODS We analyzed the clinical, operational, and financial components of our laser practice, focusing on treatment of hypertrophic burn scars, using pulsed dye laser, fractional CO2 laser, and intense pulsed light. Cases were performed in an operating room, with anesthesia, after preauthorization. We examined professional charges and collections, case time, variable and indirect expenses, and breakeven volumes. RESULTS Our practice grew as follows: 2008, 1 case; 2009, 44 cases; 2010, 169 cases; and 2011, 415 cases. Overall collection rate was 32.1%. Expenses incurred by the provider, per 8-hour session, included laser rental/lease ($2375), personnel salaries ($1900), and physician overhead ($808), for a total cost of $5083. Mean charge was $1642 per case; mean collection was $527 per case. Median case time (procedure plus turnover) was 40 minutes. In this model, breakeven volume is 9.7 cases per day; breakeven time is 49.7 minutes. Provider profit margin for 10 cases per day, or 83% capacity utilization, is $187 per day (income - expenses = $5270 - $5083). CONCLUSIONS Despite high costs associated with starting and operating a laser practice for the treatment of hypertrophic burn scars, a sustainable enterprise can be achieved when the provider has accrued enough volume to batch cases over an entire day. Critical to achieving breakeven is preauthorization, controlling overhead, and efficient throughput.
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11
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Prospective, before-after cohort study to assess the efficacy of laser therapy on hypertrophic burn scars. Ann Plast Surg 2013; 70:521-6. [PMID: 23542846 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0b013e31827eac5e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hypertrophic burn scars produce significant morbidity, including itching, pain, stiffness, and contracture. Best practices for management continue to evolve. Lasers have recently been added to treatment algorithms, but indications and efficacy have not been fully defined. We studied the impact of laser therapies on hypertrophic burn scars. METHODS We conducted a prospective, before-after study in burn patients with hypertrophic scars. Procedures were performed more than 6 months after burn injury and were repeated monthly. The pulsed-dye laser was used for pruritus and erythema, whereas the fractional CO2 laser was used for stiffness and abnormal texture. All procedures were performed in the OR, with anesthesia. Outcomes are as follows: (1) Vancouver Scar Scale (objective changes in pigmentation, erythema, pliability, height; range, 0-15) and (2) UNC Scar Scale (subjective changes in pain, itching, tingling, stiffness; range, 0-12). Before-after scores were compared by Student t test, with significance assigned to P values of <0.05. RESULTS During 2011, we treated 147 patients (mean age, 26.9 years; mean TBSA, 16.1%) over 415 sessions (2.8 sessions/patient), including pulsed dye laser (n = 327) and CO2 (n = 139), mean surface area of 83 cm. Etiology included flame (75), scald (37), and other (35). Treatments occurred 16 months (median) and 48 months (mean) after burn injury. Vancouver Scar Scale decreased from 10.4 (SD, 2.4) to 5.2 (1.9) (P < 0.0001). UNC Scar Scale decreased from 5.4 (2.5) to 2.1 (1.7) (P < 0.0001). Mean length of follow-up was 4.7 months. CONCLUSIONS Laser therapies significantly improve both the signs and symptoms of hypertrophic burn scars, as measured by objective and subjective instruments.
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12
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Chan CS, Saedi N, Mickle C, Dover JS. Combined treatment for facial rejuvenation using an optimized pulsed light source followed by a fractional non-ablative laser. Lasers Surg Med 2013; 45:405-9. [DOI: 10.1002/lsm.22162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeffrey S. Dover
- SkinCare Physicians; Chestnut Hill Massachusetts
- Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven Connecticut
- Dartmouth Medical School; Hanover Massachusetts
- Brown Medical School; Providence Rhode Island
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13
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Incidence and Management of Adverse Events After the Use of Laser Therapies for the Treatment of Hypertrophic Burn Scars. Ann Plast Surg 2013; 70:500-5. [DOI: 10.1097/sap.0b013e31827eac79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Shine on: Review of Laser- and Light-Based Therapies for the Treatment of Burn Scars. Dermatol Res Pract 2012; 2012:243651. [PMID: 22778719 PMCID: PMC3388335 DOI: 10.1155/2012/243651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Restoration of form and function after burn injury remains challenging, but emerging laser and pulsed light technologies now offer hope for patients with hypertrophic scars, which may be associated with persistent hyperemia, chronic folliculitis, intense pruritis, and neuropathic pain. In addition to impairing body image, these scars may limit functional recovery, compromise activities of daily living, and prevent return to work. Three different platforms are now poised to alter our reconstructive algorithm: (1) vascular-specific pulsed dye laser (PDL) to reduce hyperemia, (2) ablative fractional CO(2) laser to improve texture and pliability of the burn scar, and (3) intense pulsed light (IPL) to correct burn scar dyschromia and alleviate chronic folliculitis. In this paper, we will provide an overview of our work in this area, which includes a systematic review, a retrospective analysis of our preliminary experience, and interim data from our on-going, prospective, before-after cohort trial. We will demonstrate that laser- and light-based therapies can be combined with each other safely to yield superior results, often at lower cost, by reducing the need for reconstructive surgery. Modulating the burn scar, through minimally invasive modalities, may replace conventional methods of burn scar excision and yield outcomes not previously possible or conceivable.
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