title: Efficacy and Safety of Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing in Non-hypertrophic Traumatic and Burn Scars.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fractional photothermolysis is one of the most effective treatment options used to resurface scars of different aetiologies.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the efficacy and safety of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing treatment in the management of non-hypertrophic traumatic and burn scars.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five patients affected by non-hypertrophic traumatic and burn scars were treated with four sessions of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing treatment at 6-weekly intervals. Patients were photographed at each visit and finally, 3 months after the end of treatment schedule. Response to treatment was assessed clinically as well as by comparing the initial photograph of the patient with the one taken at the last follow-up visit 3-months after the final treatment session. Changes in skin texture, surface irregularity and pigmentation were assessed on a quartile grading scale and scored individually from 0 to 4. A mean of the three individual scores was calculated and the response was labelled as 'excellent' if the mean score achieved was >2. A score of 1-2 was labeled as good response while a score below 1 was labeled as 'poor' response. The subjective satisfaction of each patient with the treatment offered was also assessed at the last follow-up visit.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The commonest site of scarring treated was the face followed by hands. Response to treatment was rated as excellent in 60% (15/25) patients while 24% (6/25) and 16% (4/25) patients were labeled as good and poor responders, respectively. Skin texture showed better response than other variables with average score of 2.44. Linear post-traumatic scars were seen to respond less than other morphological types. Majority of the patients (19 out of 25) were highly satisfied with the treatment offered. No long-term adverse effects were noted in any patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fractional photothermolysis with a fractional CO2 laser gives excellent results in patients with post-burn scars with minimal adverse effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lack of a control group and small sample size are limitations of this study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Cutis Institute of Dermatology, Srinagar, Kashmir, India.
authors.forename: Imran
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Majid
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Cutis Institute of Dermatology, Srinagar, Kashmir, India.
authors.forename: Saher
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Imran
keywords: Burn scars; fractional laser resurfacing; scars; traumatic scars; treatment