Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment Effects on Burn Rehabilitation and Recovery
We will examine the effects of fractional CO2 laser (FCL) on hypertrophic burn scars (HTS). This will be done through a combination of patient reported outcomes and objective noninvasive measures of scars. HTS are tight, painful, and itchy with limited treatment options. These scars can be disfiguring and can impair both function and psychosocial recovery.
The use of FCL for HTS is a growing field. In 2004, fractional ablative lasers were first described which would limit thermal injury by creating tiny columns of thermal damage and leaving viable dermis adjacent triggering the tissue remodeling process of the dermis. The surrounding tissue then undergoes collagen remodeling allowing for rapid regeneration and repair. This allows for soft more pliable scars with less pain and itch. Currently FCL is being used for the treatment of HTS but with limited studies on the effects based off of patient reported outcomes.