Fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of surgical scars: A case report, Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, Informa Healthcare

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Fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of surgical scars: A case report

2006, Vol. 8, No. 1 , Pages 35-38 (doi:10.1080/14764170600607251)

Daniel S. Behroozan¹,², Leonard H. Goldberg¹,³, Tianhong Dai⁴, Roy G. Geronemus⁵ and Paul M. Friedman¹,⁶ ^†

¹DermSurgery Associates, Houston, TX, USA

²Division of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA

³Department of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

⁴Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA

⁵Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, NY, USA

⁶Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX, USA

^†Correspondence: Paul M. Friedman, DermSurgery Associates, 7515 S. Main Street, Suite 210, Houston, TX 77030, USA, 1 713 791 9927 pmfriedman@dermsurgery.org

Background. Surgical scars are a challenging condition to treat. Fractional photothermolysis provides a promising new modality for treatment.

Case report. A 55‐year‐old white female patient with a surgical scar on the chin was treated with fractional photothermolysis (1550 nm Fraxel^TM SR laser). A single treatment session was performed at pulse energy of 8 mJ (MTZ) and a final density of 2000 MTZ/cm². The treatment response was assessed by comparing pre‐ and 2‐week post‐treatment clinical photography.

Results. A greater than 75% clinical improvement of scarring was achieved at 2 weeks after a single treatment based on independent physician assessment. No significant adverse effects were noted. The improvement was persistent at 1‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion. Fractional photothermolysis offers a new, effective, and safe modality for the treatment of surgical scars.