Laser therapy for treating cleft lip or/and palate scarring-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of laser therapy in managing scars resulting from cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) repair surgeries, as well as to determine the optimal timing for intervention. A systematic search was conducted across four databases using a predefined search strategy. Studies included were randomized controlled trials, non-randomized studies, and case series focusing on laser therapy for CL/P scars. Data extraction and analysis were performed using Revman Software. A total of two randomized controlled trials, four non-randomized studies, and three case series were included in the analysis. The fractional CO2 laser was the most commonly utilized type of laser. Following laser therapy, there was a significant decrease in Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores by 4.05 (95% CI, 2.10-5.99). Meta-analysis revealed that laser treatment groups exhibited a significantly lower mean VSS score (1.3; 95% CI, 0.02-2.67) compared to control groups. Moreover, initiating laser therapy intervention at one month postoperatively resulted in a significantly lower VSS score compared to initiation at three months postoperatively (difference of 1.70; 95% CI, 1.33-2.08). No severe complications were reported. Laser therapy demonstrates effectiveness and safety in improving CL/P scars, with earlier intervention yielding greater benefits.

Resurfacing of atrophic facial acne scars with a multimodality CO2 and 1570 nm laser system.

BACKGROUND: Scarring is one of the most prevalent long-term complications of acne vulgaris and has cosmetic, psychological, and social burdens. Contemporary management programs integrate multiple modalities to best address the multiple factors underlying their development and persistence. This work assessed the impact of sequential multimodal laser therapy on acne scar geometrics and texture. METHODS: Adult patients (n = 16) with Fitzpatrick skin type II-IV and presenting with facial acne scars, underwent three combination ablative (CO2), and nonablative (1570 nm) laser treatment sessions at two-month intervals. Treatment was delivered using a ProScan Hybrid applicator, with each regimen including illumination with both ablative and a nonablative lasers applied in a grid mode sequence. Scar microtopography was assessed at baseline and 6 months after the last treatment session. RESULTS: At baseline, all patients had both box and rolling scars, while only three had icepick scars. Six months following treatment, mean scar volume improved from 5.7 ± 5.2 mm3 at baseline to 3.1 ± 3.0 mm3 and mean affected area improved from 165.6 ± 134.0 mm2 94.0 ± 80.1 mm2, translating to 47.0 ± 7.9% and 43.2 ± 8.6% reductions from baseline, respectively. Patients were highly satisfied with treatment outcomes, and no serious adverse reactions were documented during the course of treatment or follow-up. CONCLUSION: Multimodal CO2 and 1570-nm laser treatment improved the surface profilometry of patients with atrophic facial acne scars. Customization of both treatment intervals and laser settings to cosmetic regions, scar profiles and skin phototypes may further enhance treatment outcomes and expand its applicability to additional skin deformities.

Recent advances in the treatment of acne using radiofrequency techniques.

Acne is a long-lasting inflammatory skin condition that impacts the sebaceous units of the hair follicles, affecting around 85-90% of the population. Due to the potential for permanent facial scarring and negative social consequences, as well as the limitations of conventional medications like drug resistance and difficulties following treatment plans, it's crucial to investigate non-pharmacological options for treating acne, among which radiofrequency(RF) shows distinct superiority. To assess the impact of RF in the management of acne vulgaris, we conducted a thorough examination of scientific literature (including clinical trials and scientific reviews) through electronic databases like MEDLINE and PubMed. Our analysis indicates that RF could be a viable substitute for acne treatment due to its notable effectiveness and minimal adverse effects.

Treatment of erythematous acne scars using 595-nm pulsed dye laser combined with 1565-nm ResurFX nonablative fractional laser.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory disease associated with various sequelae after skin lesion remission. Acne erythema has been considered simple erythema or a vascular lesion; however, because the understanding of this disease has improved, acne erythema is currently considered an early scar with erythematous components. AIMS: This study evaluated the efficacy of using both a 595-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) and 1565-nm nonablative fractional laser (NAFL) for the treatment of erythematous scars caused by acne. METHODS: Ninety patients with acne scars were equally randomized to two groups. Group A (n = 45) received treatment with the NAFL. Group B (n = 45) received treatment with the PDL and NAFL. Each patient underwent one treatment session and 4 weeks of follow-up. RESULTS: Qualitative (χ2 = 12.415; p < 0.05) and quantitative (t = 2.675; p < 0.05) scores of Groups A and B were determined using a global scarring grading system and exhibited statistically significant differences. The quantitative score of Group A was higher than that of Group B (6.67 ± 3.46 vs. 4.98 ± 2.44). The erythema areas of the groups differed significantly after treatment, with Group B exhibiting more notable score improvements (5.00 [3.10, 7.10] vs. 2.80 [1.65, 4.60]; Z = 3.072; p < 0.05). The erythema regression rate of Group B (88.9%) was significantly higher than that of Group A (66.7%) (χ2 = 20.295; p < 0.001). Adverse events, including redness and swelling (86.6%), scabbing (78.8%), and purpura (36.6%), occurred within 7 days for 86.6% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of the PDL and NAFL is safe and effective for erythematous acne scars.

Efficacy and safety of 1064-nm fractional picosecond laser for the treatment of postmastectomy scars in transgender men: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Subcutaneous mastectomy is a crucial component of gender affirmation therapy for transgender men (TM), but the scars that result from this procedure can frequently impair their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 1064-nm fractional picosecond laser (FxPico) treatment for hypertrophic and atrophic postmastectomy scars in TM. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with a total of 35 pairs of bilateral symmetric mastectomy scars were enrolled. One of each pair of symmetric scars was randomly assigned to receive four FxPico treatments at 4-week intervals. All scars were evaluated using the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) and three-dimensional imaging for scar roughness, melanin index, and hemoglobin index before each treatment session and at 1, 3, and 6 months following the last treatment. Additionally, participant-rated scar satisfaction (PSS) and scar improvement (Global Assessment Score, GAS), as well as adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: During the 6-month follow-up period after the end of laser treatment sessions, the treated scars showed significant reductions in the mVSS compared to the untreated controls (p < 0.001), whereas the melanin index and hemoglobin index were not significantly different. Subgroup analysis of hypertrophic scars demonstrated statistically significant reductions in mVSS at 1 (p = 0.003) and 3 months (p = 0.041) after the end of laser treatments. PSS was significantly higher on the laser-treated scars than the controls (p = 0.008), and a participant-rated GAS of 2.95 ± 0.65 was found. There were no serious adverse events reported. CONCLUSIONS: 1064-nm FxPico could be utilized to treat mastectomy scars among TM, particularly the hypertrophic type.

Effects of radiofrequency on the healing of skin wounds in rats: analysis using digital planigraphy and histological evaluation / Efeitos da radiofrequência na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas em ratos: análise por planigrafia digital e avaliação histológica

Introduction: Given the extensive use of plastic surgery and the search for better aesthetic and functional results, it is necessary to research ways to improve healing and scarring. The objective is to evaluate the effects of three radiofrequency (RF) sessions in healing the skin of mice. Methods: Forty-eight rats were divided into four groups by day of sacrifice and treatment (RF group: RG; control group: CG). Dissection of the excisional wound of 2 cm x 2 cm (4 cm²) was performed and a 6-mm punch was used to hold two excisional wounds 0.6 cm in diameter. After 24 h, radiofrequency was performed using Spectra® directly on the wound in the dorsal region for 7 minutes at 38°C. This was repeated three times on alternate days. For the control group, the radiofrequency protocol was performed with the device switched off. Results: A larger area of the square wound was measured on postoperative day three in RG (RG7: 3.3 cm² ± 0.7 cm² vs. CG7: 2.4 cm² ± 0.4 cm²; p = 0.009). On day 14, the square wound in RG was greater than in CG (RG14: 1.9 cm² ± 0.5 cm² vs. CG14: 1.0 cm² ± 0.3 cm²; p = 0.001). There was a 90% closure of wounds in CG14. In RG14, 60% of the wounds were re-epithelized while 40% remained ulcerated. In CG7, 70% of the remaining wounds were ulcerated and 30% were re-epithelized. In RG7, 8% were re-epithelized and 92% remained ulcerated. Conclusion: Radiofrequency has a negative influence on the healing process, as indicated by mice that received radiofrequency having a persistent ulcerated wound.

Introdução: Tendo em vista o número de cirurgias plásticas e a busca por melhores resultados estético-funcionais fazem-se necessárias pesquisas para encontrar meios para melhorar a cicatrização e as cicatrizes. O objetivo é avaliar os efeitos de três sessões de radiofrequência na cicatrização da pele de ratos. Métodos: Quarenta e oito ratos machos foram divididos em quatro grupos conforme ao grupo que pertenciam e o dia do sacrifício (grupo radiofrequência - GR - e grupo controle - GC). Realizada a dissecação da ferida excisional de 2 cm x 2 cm (4 cm²) e utilizou-se um punch de 6 mm para a realização de duas feridas excisionais de 0,6 cm de diâmetro. Após 24 h, foi realizada a radiofrequência com o equipamento Spectra® na região dorsal, diretamente sobre as feridas por 7 minutos, com temperatura de 38ºC. Repetida por três vezes, em dias alternados. No grupo controle foi realizada com o aparelho desligado. Resultados: Foi encontrada área maior na ferida quadrada, no 3º dia pós-operatório do GR (GR7 3,3 cm² ± 0,7 cm² vs. GC7 2,4 cm² ± 0,4 cm², p = 0,009). No 14º dia a ferida quadrada do GR foi maior do que no GC (GR14 1,9 cm² ± 0,5 cm² vs. GC14 1,0 cm² ± 0,3 cm², p = 0,001). Houve fechamento de 90% das feridas no GC14. No GR14, 60% das feridas foram reepitelizadas enquanto 40% permaneceram ulceradas. No GC7, 70% das feridas de permaneceram ulceradas e 30% foram reepitelizadas. Já no GR7, 8%, foram reepitelizadas e 92% permaneceram ulceradas. Conclusão: A radiofrequência tem influência negativa no processo cicatricial, mostrando que, nos ratos que receberam a radiofrequência, o quadrado permaneceu ulcerado.