A Single Institution Experience with Standardized Objective and Subjective Scar Evaluation While Undergoing Fractional Ablative Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment

Author(s):  
Taryn E Travis ◽  
Rebekah A Allely ◽  
Laura S Johnson ◽  
Jeffrey W Shupp

Abstract Laser treatment of burn scar has increased in recent years. Standard components of scar evaluation during laser scar revision have yet to be established. Patients who began laser scar revision from January 2018-2020, underwent at least three treatments, and completed evaluations for each treatment were included. Patients underwent fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser scar revision and pre- and post-procedure scar evaluations by a burn rehabilitation therapist, including Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, Vancouver Scar Scale, our institutional scar comparison scale, durometry, and active range of motion measurements. Twenty-nine patients began laser scar revision and underwent at least three treatments with evaluations before and after each intervention. All patients improved in at least one scar assessment metric after a single laser treatment. After second and third treatments, all patients improved in at least three scar assessment metrics. Range of motion was the most frequently improved. Durometry significantly improved after a third treatment. Patients and observers showed some agreement in their assessment of scar, but observers rated overall scar scores better than patients. Patients acknowledged substantial scar improvement on our institutional scar comparison scale. Burn scar improves with fractional ablative laser therapy in a range of scar ages and skin types, as early as the first session. Improvements continue as additional sessions are performed. This work suggests baseline evaluation components for patients undergoing laser, and a timeline for expected clinical improvements which may inform conversations between patients and providers when considering laser for symptomatic hypertrophic scar.

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 646
Author(s):  
Han-Sol Kang ◽  
Hyung-Wook Kwon ◽  
Di-gud Kim ◽  
Kwang-Rak Park ◽  
Suk-Chan Hahm ◽  
...  

This study aimed to investigate the effects of suboccipital muscle inhibition technique (SMIT) on active range of motion (AROM) of the ankle joint, lunge angle (LA), and balance in healthy adults, according to the duration of its application. A total of 80 participants were randomly allocated to the 4-min suboccipital muscle inhibition (SMI) group (SMI_4M, n = 20), 8-min SMI group (n = 20), 4-min sham-SMI (SSMI) group (n = 20), and 8-min SSMI group (n = 20). Accordingly, the SMIT and sham SMIT were applied for 4 min or 8 min in the respective groups. AROM of dorsiflexion and LA were assessed, and a single leg balance test (SLBT) was performed before and after the intervention. AROM (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001), LA (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001), and SLBT (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001) significantly improved after SMI application. Compared with the SSMI group, the SMI group showed a significant increase in AROM (p < 0.001), LA (p < 0.001), and SLBT (p < 0.001). Except for SLBT (p = 0.016), there were no significant interactions between intervention and application duration. The results suggest that the SMIT, at durations of both 4 and 8 min, could be effective tools for improving AROM, LA, and balance.


Author(s):  
Neera R. Nathan ◽  
Daniel M. O'Connor ◽  
Jonathan J. Lee ◽  
Kristine M. Cornejo ◽  
Jennifer K. Tan ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasanop Vachiramon ◽  
Pattarin Anusaksathien ◽  
Silada Kanokrungsee ◽  
Kumutnart Chanprapaph

Objective. Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common condition which can frequently be cosmetically disturbing. Topical treatments can be used with limited efficacy. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for the treatment of KP.Patients and Methods. A prospective, randomized, single-blinded, intraindividual comparative study was conducted on adult patients with KP. A single session of fractional CO2laser was performed to one side of arm whereas the contralateral side served as control. Patients were scheduled for follow-up at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. Clinical improvement was graded subjectively by blinded dermatologists. Patients rated treatment satisfaction at the end of the study.Results. Twenty patients completed the study. All patients stated that the laser treatment improved KP lesions. At 12-week follow-up, 30% of lesions on the laser-treated side had moderate to good improvement according to physicians’ global assessment (p=0.02). Keratotic papules and hyperpigmentation appeared to respond better than the erythematous component. Four patients with Fitzpatrick skin type V developed transient pigmentary alteration.Conclusions. Fractional CO2laser treatment may be offered to patients with KP. Dark-skinned patients should be treated with special caution.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Zhen Chiang ◽  
Firas Al-Niaimi ◽  
Janice Ferguson ◽  
Paul Jeffrey August ◽  
Vishal Madan

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Abd Elnaeem Sallam ◽  
Khaled El Zawahry ◽  
Abdul Rahman Muhammed Ali Mustafa

Abstract Background Acne scars, is a challenge for dermatologists, despite having multiple treatment modalities like microneedling, dermabrasion, Fractional CO2 Laser, dermal fillers, etc. However, monotherapy has been hardly satisfactory because of the polymorphism seen with the scars. Objective Comparison between microneedling with platelet rich plasma versus Fractional carbon dioxide laser with platelet rich plasma in treatment of atrophic post acne scars. Patients and methods This study was carried out in department of dermatology, venereology and andrology, in Kobry El-Kobba Military complex during the period (from September 2018 to July 2020 ) on 20 patients of both sexes aged from 20 to 60 years old presenting with Goodman and Baron Grade II, III, IV acne scars . Results The study revealed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.017) between Goodman and Baron scar grades on the right side of the face before and after treatment indicating that microneedling with platelet rich plasma was effective in improving acne scars. Also, there is a statistically significant difference (p = 0.010) between Goodman and Baron scar grades on the left side of the face before and after treatment, indicating that fractional CO2 laser with platelet rich plasma was effective in improving acne scars. Conclusion and recommendation Further controlled and randomized studies are needed to validate our findings in a larger cohort of patients and longer follow up. Also, number of sessions might be more than 3 sessions.


1995 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-131
Author(s):  
Somyos Kunachak

This study reports 30 resistant cases of acne vulgaris that were treated by carbon dioxide laser. The patients range in age from 13 to 26 years old. The lesions treated were all types of acne, which included cysts, nodules, papules, pustules, black heads, and white heads. The results were gratifying, with a quick initial clearance of the lesion; no scar or changing of skin texture was observed in most of the cases. These results could suggest another, not previously reported, application of the carbon dioxide laser in the field of medicine.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document