Treatment of traumatic scars using plasma skin regeneration (PSR) system.
OBJECTIVE
Several modalities have been advocated to treat traumatic scars, including surgical techniques and laser resurfacing. Recently, a plasma skin regeneration (PSR) system has been investigated. There are no reports on plasma treatment of traumatic scars. The objective of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness and complications of plasma treatment of traumatic scars in Asian patients.


METHODS
Twenty Asian patients with traumatic scars were enrolled in the study. Three treatments were performed at monthly intervals with PSR, using energy settings of 2 to 3J. Patients were seen 1 week after each individual treatment and 3 months after the last treatment. Improvement was determined by patient questionnaires and physician evaluation of digital photographs taken prior to treatment and at 3 months post-treatment. The patients were also evaluated for any side effects from the treatment.


RESULTS
Nine of 20 patients showed more than 50% improvement. The average pain score on a 10 point scale was 5.8+/-1.3 SD and all patients tolerated the treatments. The average re-epithelization time was 7.3+/-2.8 SD days. Temporary and local hyperpigmentation was observed in four patients and this hyperpigmentation disappeared within 3 months. Hypopigmentation and worsening of scarring were not observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Plasma treatment is clinically effective and is associated with minimal complications when used to treat traumatic scars in Asian patients. However, deep traumatic scars are resistant to plasma treatment.
Kono
Taro
T
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan. tkono@prs.twmu.ac.jp
Groff
William Frederick
WF
Sakurai
Hiroyuki
H
Yamaki
Takashi
T
Soejima
Kazukata
K
Nozaki
Motohiro
M
D000328:Adult; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012038:Regeneration; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries*; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena