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

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 and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The publication includes both approved indications and investigational applications. Treatment selection, settings, risks, recovery, and expected outcomes vary by patient and should be determined by a qualified medical professional following an individual evaluation.