Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids: What Can Lasers Do?

Hypertrophic scars and keloids are prevalent conditions and a common reason for patients to seek medical advice for cosmetic and functional improvement. Multiple modalities of scar revision have been explored in the management of pathologic scars, and studies performed since the mid 1990s have shown evidence of improvement in scar erythema, texture, height, pliability, and associated symptoms using the flashlamp-pumped 585-nm pulsed dye laser. Many authors agree that the most appropriate approach for treating hypertrophic scars and keloids is with the flashlamp-pumped 585-nm pulsed dye laser, which carries a low risk of adverse effects and complications, making it popular for managing pathologic scars. Continued research in and development of laser technology will lead to significant treatment advances in dermatologic laser surgery.