Intralesional cryosurgery for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids following aesthetic surgery: the results of a prospective observational study.

ABSTRACT

Hypertrophic scars and keloids following aesthetic surgery, which ignite patient dissatisfaction, are difficult to handle. Intralesional cryosurgery for the treatment of such scars has been introduced. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of this technology in the treatment of such scars and to assess the reduction of dissatisfaction. Eleven scars (on 11 patients) were treated by intralesional cryosurgery, following breast surgery, otoplasty, face-lifting, and brachioplasty. Each patient scored the concern from the scar and the scar deformity (scale from 1 to 5) prior and following treatment (higher score represents least satisfaction and a severe deformity). The follow-up period was between 3 months and 8 years. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in concern and deformity scores compared with before the cryotreatment (P = .001). The intralesional cryosurgery technique provides the plastic surgeon with an effective instrument to treat hypertrophic scars and keloids following aesthetic surgery, thus reducing the dissatisfaction of patients.