Fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of surgical scars.

BACKGROUND Surgical scars are a challenging condition to treat. Fractional photothermolysis provides a promising new modality for treatment. CASE REPORT A 55-year-old white female patient with a surgical scar on the chin was treated with fractional photothermolysis (1550 nm Fraxel SR laser). A single treatment session was performed at pulse energy of 8 mJ (MTZ) and a final density of 2000 MTZ/cm2. The treatment response was assessed by comparing pre- and 2-week post-treatment clinical photography. RESULTS A greater than 75% clinical improvement of scarring was achieved at 2 weeks after a single treatment based on independent physician assessment. No significant adverse effects were noted. The improvement was persistent at 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSION Fractional photothermolysis offers a new, effective, and safe modality for the treatment of surgical scars.