This series is led by Drs. Jang Youngchul and Lee Junghwan of Hangangsoo Hospital, two experts in burn wound care and scar removal. Drs. Jang and Lee will discuss diagnosis and classification of burn wounds, burn wound care, treatment, latest dressing materials, cultured skin tissues, and scar removal, etc. Our readers who are interested in wound care may benefit from the useful information provided in this series. 

 

History of Laser Scar Removal

Despite impressive advancements in the medical care of burn wounds or extensive scars caused by automobile accidents or surgery, many people still suffer from sequelae of scars. Most common sequelae of scars include deformity of tissues, pain, pruritus, and limited mobility, etc. Persisting scars go beyond lowering the quality of life and often limit or entirely prohibit an individual’s social activities.¹

 

 Burn wound scars tend to develop into widening scars or hypertrophic scars. They often become depigmented or develop a thin and shiny surface. Removal is difficult as various types of scar tissues often coexist.

 

Figure 1. Burn wound scars.

 

Traditional non-surgical treatments of scars include compression therapy, localized injection of steroids, 5-FU or interferon, topical retinoid acid, cryotherapy, radiotherapy, and silicone gel sheet, etc. These methods, which were used alone or in combination, rarely bring drastic improvement. Scars with contracture can be most effectively treated by surgical methods such as scar release surgery. However, surgery is not the best option for all patients due to donor site limitations, or fear of surgery, etc. 

 

HELIOSⅡ/LOTUSⅡ/HYPERION – Manufacturer: LASEROPTEK(www.laseroptek.com)

 

In the last three decades, laser scar removal has improved continuously and now is regarded as a safe and effective method of scar removal. Laser can be used as an adjunct to traditional treatments or surgery to complement their limitations. Before we look into the latest trends in laser scar removal, let us first briefly review the history of laser scar removal in the literature.

 

-To be continued

 

References

1. Rumsey N, Clarke A, White P. Exploring the psychosocial concerns of outpatients with

disfiguring conditions. JWound Care. 2003;12(7):247-252.