Treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids with a fractional CO2 laser: A personal experience

Abstract

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are both abnormal wound responses in predisposed individuals but they differ in that keloids extend beyond the original wound and almost never regress, while hypertrophic scars remain within the original wound and tend to regress. How keloids grow is not totally clear because there is no animal model; in fact, keloids affect only humans. Different injuries can result in keloids, including burns, surgery, ear piercing, lacerations, abrasions, tattooing, vaccinations, injections, insect bites and any process causing skin inflammation (chicken pox, acne, folliculitis, zoster). Skin or wound tension is considered a critical factor in the formation of keloids and hypertrophic scars. This study is based on eight consecutive patients (four females and four males, F:M = 1:1) with a total of 12 keloids. All of whom were treated monthly with a MiXto SX CO₂ laser, using 13 W of power, 8 SX of index and 40% coverage (density) in combination with Same Plast Gel^® twice a day. Each scar required 12 treatments, and all the patients, followed up for 1 year after the last treatment, had optimum results and no recurrence.