Atrophic Scar Revision Using Fractional Photothermolysis

With their ability to deliver controlled thermal damage in order to stimulate deep dermal remodeling, laser devices are widely considered to be versatile and effective tools for the treatment of atrophic scar ring. However, despite the capabilities and technological characteristics of laser modalities in general, the limited efficacy of nonablative laser devices and the adverse effects associated with traditional abla tive laser systems suggest that a new modality for the treatment of atrophic scars is needed.

Forty subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI received 3 to 5 treatments with the Fraxel® SR Laser System. A total of 53 atrophic scars (acne, surgical, traumatic, and striae) were treated.

For 62.3% of the scars, overall appearance was moderately to completely improved at 1-month and 3-month follow-up visits. Three months posttreatment, overall scar severity was significantly reduced (P<.001 and erythema was absent in all subjects.>

Because 4 different scar types with unique etiologies were treated, comparisons among subgroups were limited. Sites treated with the Fraxel SR Laser System were not compared with untreated control sites.

Fractional photothermolysis with the Fraxel SR Laser System safely reduced the severity of acne, surgi cal, traumatic, and striae scars and improved color mismatch, surface texture, and atrophy.