title: Best Reconstructive Techniques: Improving the Final Scar.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Abnormal cutaneous scarring is due to excessive growth of fibrous tissue in response to traumatic or iatrogenic tissue injury and may adversely affect a patient's quality of life. The success of a surgical procedure is often tied to the cosmetic outcome.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To provide a synthesis of available literature and provide guidelines for the management of cutaneous scars with laser technology.
  
  
  METHODS
  An extensive review of the medical literature was conducted to assess optimal treatment methods for cutaneous scars based on scar features, location, and skin phototype. Recommendations and algorithms were described based on this review and our current clinical experience.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Combination therapy with laser and non-laser modalities offers a safe and effective method for scar revision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Armed with an understanding of relevant available therapies, skillful dermatologic surgeons may drastically improve the final scar cosmesis. This review discusses current and emerging laser therapy approaches to scar revision.
authors.affiliation: *DermSurgery Associates, Houston, Texas; †Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center, Houston, Texas; ‡Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, Texas; §Department of Dermatology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Brundha
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Balaraman
authors.forename: Elizabeth R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Geddes
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Friedman
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000465:Algorithms; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents