Arielle N B Kauvar1,2, Shelby L Kubicki3, Amanda K Suggs3,4, Paul M Friedman3,4,5. 1. Department of Dermatology, New York Laser & Skin Care, 1044 Fifth Avenue (between 85th and 86th St.), New York, New York, 10028. 2. Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, 240 E 38th St., New York, New York, 10016. 3. Department of Dermatology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, McGovern Medical School, 6655 Travis St. #700, Houston, Texas, 77030. 4. Department of Dermatology, Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center, 6400 Fannin St., Suite 2720, Houston, Texas, 77030. 5. Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6550 Fannin St., Suite 1001, Houston, Texas, 77030.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This paper describes the laser techniques available for the treatment of surgical and trauma scars and develops recommendations for an algorithmic-based treatment approach based on extensive clinical experience and published data. STUDY DESIGN/ MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the literature regarding laser treatment of surgical and traumatic scars and incorporated the clinical experience of the authors to develop an algorithm for the treatment of surgical and trauma scars. RESULTS: In order to develop treatment recommendations, scars were differentiated based on their clinical characteristics. Specific scar characteristics aid in determining the appropriate treatment strategy for different types of complex surgical and trauma scars. CONCLUSION: Laser therapy is first-line therapy for traumatic and surgical scars. The treatment approach should be guided by scar characteristics (e.g., anatomic location, type of injury, color, thickness, tension, scar age, and activity) and involves choosing the appropriate laser type and determining the benefit of combination therapy with surgical and nonsurgical treatment modalities to optimize treatment responses. Lasers Surg. Med.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This paper describes the laser techniques available for the treatment of surgical and trauma scars and develops recommendations for an algorithmic-based treatment approach based on extensive clinical experience and published data. STUDY DESIGN/ MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the literature regarding laser treatment of surgical and traumatic scars and incorporated the clinical experience of the authors to develop an algorithm for the treatment of surgical and trauma scars. RESULTS: In order to develop treatment recommendations, scars were differentiated based on their clinical characteristics. Specific scar characteristics aid in determining the appropriate treatment strategy for different types of complex surgical and trauma scars. CONCLUSION: Laser therapy is first-line therapy for traumatic and surgical scars. The treatment approach should be guided by scar characteristics (e.g., anatomic location, type of injury, color, thickness, tension, scar age, and activity) and involves choosing the appropriate laser type and determining the benefit of combination therapy with surgical and nonsurgical treatment modalities to optimize treatment responses. Lasers Surg. Med.
Authors: Paul M Friedman; Jeffrey S Dover; Anne Chapas; Zakia Rahman; Edward V Ross; Suzanne L Kilmer; Wendy E Roberts; Pooja Sodha; Julie B Stimmel; Mary Beth C Moncrief; Jill S Waibel Journal: Dermatol Surg Date: 2022-02-01 Impact factor: 3.398