Clinical Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction in Laser Scar Revision using a 300-Microsecond Pulsed Er:YAG 2940nm Laser
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 Years Old, Male 33 y.o.
Chemical Burn. Female pre-teen.
