Ann Dermatol.  2019 Feb;31(1):6-13. 10.5021/ad.2019.31.1.6.

The Important Factors Associated with Treatment Response in Laser Treatment of Facial Scars: A Single-Institution Based Retrospective Study

• Lim Y
• Park JH
• Lee DY
• Hwang NY
• Ahn S
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2430795
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2019.31.1.6

Abstract

BACKGROUND
There is increased interest in laser treatment of facial scars.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the factors associated with treatment response.
METHODS
We conducted an institution-based retrospective study by including the patients treated with laser for facial scars from 2012 to 2015. Treatment methods were determined with an algorithm according to individual scar characteristics. In each treatment session, either a 595-nm pulsed-dye laser or a non-ablative fractional laser was used, often in combination with a corticosteroid injection. We evaluated treatment responses based on the number of treatment sessions required to reach the treatment endpoint. Data were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression analysis to examine the association between treatment response and various factors of the scar.
RESULTS
A total of eighty-four scars were analyzed. The onset of treatment (defined as the period between the injury and treatment initiation), used laser modality, and the location of the scar were all found to be significantly associated with treatment responses. Early implementation was more likely to provide better treatment response. Scars on the perioral area were more likely to be associated with worse treatment response.
CONCLUSION
The important factors for the treatment response in facial scars were the location of the scar and the timing of the initiation of treatment. Such information can be used to predict treatment response and tailor the treatment plan to the patient, depending on scar characteristics.

Keyword

Face; Laser; Location; Scar

MeSH Terms

Cicatrix*
Humans
Logistic Models
Retrospective Studies*

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The treatment algorithm: In one treatment session, either a 595-nm pulsed-dye laser (PDL) or a non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) was used. Additionally, intralesional corticosteroid injection was employed in case of patients with pliability score ≥1. Patients were asked to return between 3 and 10 weeks subsequent to treatment to check the status of their scar and determine whether continuing treatment was needed or whether the scar reached its treatment endpoint. *Vascularity (normal=0, pink=1, red=2, purple=3); †Pliability (normal=0, supple=1, yielding=2, firm=3, banding=4, contracture=5); ‡The time point at which Vancouver scar scale (VSS) score was reduced by 50% was considered as the treatment endpoint.

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