Ablative fractional laser resurfacing for abdominal scar contractures in pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
Fundal growth during pregnancy can lead to unremitting discomfort and skin breakdown in patients with extensive abdominal scarring.


METHODS
A 31-year-old primigravid woman at 30 weeks of gestation presented to the department of dermatology with constant abdominal discomfort, itch, and sleep disturbance secondary to increasing tension associated with existing abdominal scars. An outpatient course of ablative fractional laser resurfacing was initiated in consultation with the dermatology department, resulting in immediate and durable symptom relief and visible abdominal expansion. No complications were observed, and the patient delivered a healthy newborn at term.


CONCLUSIONS
Ablative fractional laser resurfacing is a minimally invasive therapeutic alternative for treating pregnant patients with symptoms related to restrictive scarring of the abdomen.
Departments of Dermatology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California.
J Austin
JA
Cox
Michael
M
Dainer
Peter R
PR
Shumaker
D000005:Abdomen; D000328:Adult; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D003286:Contracture / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000601:surgery*