Treatment of Burn Scars With the 1,550 nm Nonablative Fractional Erbium Laser

Scar & Burn Research
Written By Jill Waibel

SCAR & BURN RESEARCH

Jill Waibel, MD; Adam J. Wulkan, BS; Mary Lupo, MD; Kenneth Beer, MD; and R. Rox Anderson, MD

Published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, Volume 44, pages 441–446 (2012)

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

This prospective pilot study evaluated nonablative fractional laser resurfacing as a treatment option for extensive burn scarring. Ten patients with second- and third-degree burn scars received five treatments with a 1,550 nm nonablative fractional erbium laser at four-week intervals. Three independent investigators evaluated the patients’ outcomes three months after treatment.

KEY FINDINGS

  • Overall improvement was observed in 90% of participants.

  • Moderate-to-excellent overall improvement was reported in 60% of participants.

  • Skin texture improved in 90% of participants.

  • Dyschromia improved in 80% of participants.

  • Scar atrophy or hypertrophy improved in 80% of participants.

  • Participants reported a statistically significant improvement in self-esteem three months after treatment.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The study’s findings suggest that nonablative fractional laser resurfacing may offer a promising treatment approach for different types of burn scars, including hypertrophic, atrophic, and contracture scars. The authors noted that larger randomized studies are needed because this was a small pilot study without a control group.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

Journal: Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
Year: 2012
Volume: 44
Pages: 441–446
DOI: 10.1002/lsm.22038

This research summary is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment recommendations should be made following an evaluation by a qualified medical professional.

Jill Waibel