Non-ablative fractional laser could treat scar contracture

(HealthDay)—Treatment with a dual wavelength non-ablative fractional laser may result in the functional improvement of scar contractures, according to a case study published online Aug. 6 in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.

Robert Finney, M.D., from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, and colleagues present a case study of a 28-year-old female with extensive scarring after a traumatic injury to her right lower extremity. She had limited range of motion due to scar contracture.

The researchers found that following six treatments with a non-ablative fractional resurfacing (NAFR) device with two wavelengths, there was 50 to 75 percent improvement in scar texture and discoloration. Additionally, both subjective and objective improvements were seen for range of motion. Two treatments were performed with the 1927-nm NAFR thulium laser (10 mJ, 30 percent density, eight passes) and two treatments with the 1550-nm NAFR laser (40 mJ, 17 to 26 percent density, eight passes). Treatments were spaced four to eight weeks apart. Mild erythema and edema occurred, which resolved after seven to 10 days.

"This case report is novel in its demonstration of the utility of a dual wavelength NAFR in the treatment of scar contracture and functional impairment," the authors write.