The efficacy of Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser combined with Silicone cream in the prevention and the amelioration of scars post facial surgery (A Clinical Study)

Abstract

Introduction: Post-surgical scars seem to be a common problem reported by surgeons and patients, it causes unsatisfaction with medical procedures and resultant psychological stress which impact patient’s quality of life. Many treatment modalities have been reported to prevent hypertrophic scarring and improve scar appearance.

Aims of the study: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of laser assisted drug delivery of fractional CO2 laser with silicone cream in the management of post-surgical facial scars, and to compare the early application at the proliferative phase with the late application after the maturation phase.

Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 24 post- surgical facial scars, and was divided into two groups, group 1: 12 fresh scars. And group 2: 12 matured scars. Clinical improvement was assessed using Vancouver scar scale (VSS). The treatment protocol was the applied by using fractional CO2 laser with silicone cream at the proliferative phase in group 1, and after the maturation phase in group 2.

Results: The study showed significant differences in VSS means between the two treatment periods, (P=0.008) in group 1, (P=0.015) in group 2, and significant improvement in clinical appearance in both study groups, without significant differences in the mean of VSS variation and the mean of VSS variation ratio between the two groups.

Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, it was found that Fractional CO2 laser and silicone cream could be considered a promising option for scar management among children and adults, as it improves the clinical appearance of both matured and fresh scars post facial surgery, without differences between early application at the proliferative phase and late application after the maturation phase.