Laser resurfacing of atrophic scars.

ABSTRACT

Many patients seek treatment for the disfigurement caused by obvious variations in skin texture secondary to atrophic scarring. Many different procedures, including dermabrasion, chemical peels, punch grafting, and augmentation with filling materials, have been implemented for the treatment of atrophic scars. With the advent of high-energy, pulsed and scanned CO2 laser technology, precisely controlled, layer-by-layer tissue vaporization may be achieved with minimal thermal damage to adjacent skin. Atrophic scars resulting from acne, surgery, or trauma respond more favorably to laser resurfacing than to other, more conventional forms of treatment when proper techniques are employed.