Treatment of Hypertrophic Burn and Traumatic Scars With a 2,940-nm Fractional Ablative Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet Laser: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND In recent years, fractional ablative lasers at low density have proven to be the centerpiece in a multimodality approach to treating hypertrophic burn scars. OBJECTIVE To determine the safety and efficacy of fractional ablative erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser in the treatment of hypertrophic burn scars. METHODS Eleven patients received 3 fractional ablative Er:YAG laser to hypertrophic burn scars at 400 to 800 mu m, density 11%, no coagulation, and single pass at 4-week intervals. RESULTS Overall, average improvement was noted to be 2.27 of 3 as determined by blinded observers. A significant improvement was noted in all measured parameters including dyschromia, atrophy hypertrophy, vascularity, and texture. CONCLUSION This is a pilot study showing the safety and efficacy of fractional ablative Er:YAG laser treatment is a safe and effective treatment modality in the treatment of hypertrophic scars.