Cicatrix, Scars
Conditions
Keywords
Pulsed-Dye Laser
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of the pulsed-dye laser (PDL) at two different wavelengths, 585nm and 595nm, in the treatment of post-surgical scars starting on suture-removal day.
Detailed description
Many treatment modalities have been used for the treatment of scars such as dermabrasion, cryotherapy, intralesional corticosteroids, surgical scar revision, and lasers, among others. Previous studies have shown that treatment of scars with the pulsed dye laser (PDL) alone or in combination with other modalities (e.g. corticosteroids, 5-Fluoruracil, silicone sheets) improves the vascularity, pliability, color, and height of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Currently, the PDL has become the laser of choice for the treatment of scars. To our knowledge, there are no reports in the literature comparing the effects of different wavelengths of the PDL for the treatment of scars. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of the PDL at 585nm vs 595nm in the treatment of postsurgical linear scars starting the day of suture removal.
Interventions
PROCEDUREPDL 450 microseconds
The scar will be randomly divided into three equal fields. One third of the scar will receive PDL 585 nm using a 7 mm spot size at 4.0 J (Joules) for 450 microseconds. First treatment will be immediately after suture removal, and then monthly for 3 months.
PROCEDUREPDL 1.5 milliseconds
The scar will be randomly divided into three equal fields. One third of the scar will receive PDL 585 nm using a 7 mm spot size at 4.0 J (Joules) for 1.5 milliseconds. First treatment will be immediately after suture removal, and then monthly for 3 months.
Sponsors
University of Miami
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Age 18-65 * Postoperative linear scars greater than 6 cm * Skin photo-types I-IV
Exclusion criteria
* Patient should not be taking any systemic, topical, or intralesional treatment of the scars
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Vancouver Scar Scale Visual Analog Scale | 9 months |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Analog Scale | 9 months | — |
| Blinded Evaluator assessments | 9 months | The scar section will be compared in terms of: Pigmentation 0 normal color, close to normal skin 1 hypopigmentation 2 hyperpigmentation Vascularity 0 normal color, close to normal skin 1 pink, slight increase in blood supply 2 red, significant increase in blood supply 3 purple, excessive increase in blood supply Pliability 0 normal, normal pliability 1 supple, flexible with minimal resistance 2 yielding, giving way to pressure 3 firm, solid, inflexible unit 4 banding, rope-like tissue that blanches with extension of scar 5 contracture, permanent shortening Height 0 normal, flat 1 \<2 mm 2 \<5 mm 3 \>5 mm |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed