Background: Scars can develop as a result of surgical incisions and pose psychological, cosmetic, and physical stress to the patients affected. Lasers have been used for scar revision, but little information exists regarding intraoperative use and efficacy.
Objective: To evaluate a 2,940-nm fractional erbium:YAG laser to improve scar appearance when used immediately after skin closure.
Methods and materials: Patients undergoing complex closures of at least 1.5 cm in length were recruited. Half of the wound received treatment with 2,940 erbium:YAG laser immediately after skin closure. Follow up occurred at 1 week and 12 weeks, postoperatively. Patient self-assessment was performed at the final visit. Photographs were evaluated by three blinded dermatologic surgeons.
Results: 18 patients completed the treatment protocol and follow-up. 61.1% of patients reported that the treated side was cosmetically superior to the control side. A majority of patients said the treated side was superior in elevation, erythema, and similarity to normal skin. Physician evaluation showed that the treated half was cosmetically superior in 12 of 18 patients (66.7%).
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a 2,940-nm erbium:YAG laser treatment, performed immediately after surgery, can improve the appearance of a surgical scar. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(11): 1040-1043. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5244.