title: Effects of the combined PDL/Nd:YAG laser on surgical scars: vascularity and collagen changes evaluated by in vivo confocal microscopy.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the sequential combined 585 nm PDL and the 1064 nm neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser (PDL/Nd:YAG) in the treatment of surgical scars and to evaluate the short-term effects by in vivo confocal microscopy (RCM) and the long-term effects by clinical assessment of the scars. Twenty-five patients were enrolled with 39 postoperative linear scars; each scar was divided into two fields. One half was treated with the combined PDL/Nd:YAG laser, whereas the other half remained untreated. Each scar was treated three times at monthly intervals. Scars were evaluated by an independent examiner, using the Vancouver Scar Scale. The combined PDL/Nd:YAG laser significantly improved the appearance of the scars. In order to study the short-term effects of combined laser treatment, six additional patients were enrolled with 7 postoperative linear scars. One half of scars was treated once with the combined PDL/Nd:YAG laser. One week after this laser treatment, both the treated and the nontreated parts of the scars were examined by dermoscopy and RCM. The dermoscopic pictures revealed improvements even in treated areas. In conclusion, the combined PDL/Nd:YAG laser was found to be effective in improving the quality and appearance of the surgical scars.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergology Clinic, University of Szeged, Korányi Fasor 6, Szeged 6720, Hungary.
authors.forename: Krisztina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vas
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergology Clinic, University of Szeged, Korányi Fasor 6, Szeged 6720, Hungary.
authors.forename: Magdolna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gaál
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergology Clinic, University of Szeged, Korányi Fasor 6, Szeged 6720, Hungary.
authors.forename: Erika
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Varga
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergology Clinic, University of Szeged, Korányi Fasor 6, Szeged 6720, Hungary.
authors.forename: Réka
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kovács
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergology Clinic, University of Szeged, Korányi Fasor 6, Szeged 6720, Hungary.
authors.forename: Balázs
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bende
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergology Clinic, University of Szeged, Korányi Fasor 6, Szeged 6720, Hungary.
authors.forename: Adám
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kocsis
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergology Clinic, University of Szeged, Korányi Fasor 6, Szeged 6720, Hungary ; MTA-SZTE Dermatological Research Group, Korányi Fasor 6, Szeged 6720, Hungary.
authors.forename: Lajos
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kemény
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000473:pathology*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000628:therapy*; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054025:Lasers, Dye; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D008297:Male; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003094:Collagen