Khalil A. Khatri, MD, Viktor Moiseev, MD, Skin & Laser Surgery Center of New England, Nashua, NH; General Director and Head Doctor of Cosmetic Clinic “Sasha”, Ryazan, Russian Federation
Presented at the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery Annual Conference 2016
Objective and Background
A 300-Microsecond Pulsed Er:YAG 2940nm Laser at a fluence of 5 J/cm2 allows ablation of scar tissue without significant residual thermal damage. Based on the fact that Er:YAG laser is most effective in hydrated tissue, which corresponds to the early stages of scar formation (10-14 days after injury), we hypothesized that laser scar treatment would be most effective during this period.
Materials and Methods
11 male and 21 female subjects with skin type II-III were recruited, 25 with post mechanical trauma scars, 6 with acne scars and 1 with a chemical burn scar. The subjects were divided into two groups; first group (11) had subjects with scars in their early stages (14 days) and the second group (21) had subjects with scars over a year old. Treatment was performed with a 300-Microsecond Pulsed Er:YAG 2940nm Laser (Aerolase, USA) with a spot size of 6mm, a fluence of 5 J/cm2 and a rep rate of 1.5 HZ. Treatments were performed at 14 days interval. The total number of treatments were 114 and treatments were performed until a physical leveling of the scar was observed. Each subject had an average of 3.6 treatments.
Results
In the first group, the physical leveling of the scar was observed immediately after the first treatment whereas it took two treatments in the second group. The first group had a total of 29 treatments (mean 2.6) and the second group had a total 85 treatments (mean 4). 94% of the subjects completed the study. No complications observed. 30% rated the results as excellent, 50% as good, and 20% as satisfactory.
Conclusion
A 300-Microsecond Pulsed Er:YAG 2940nm Laser is a safe and effective to revise scars. Results are quicker, well tolerated and better with relatively fresh scars as compared to older scars.
1 month post trauma scar. Male 44 y.o.
14 days post trauma scar. Female 22 y.o.
Acne Scars More than 1 Year Old, Male 33 y.o.
Chemical Burn. Female pre-teen.
