title: Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser of Recent Surgical Scars in the Head and Neck Region: A Split-Scar, Evaluator-Blinded Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Postoperative scarring is a common cause of patient dissatisfaction. Several strategies have been developed to improve its clinical aspects.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess efficacy and safety of the 10,600 nm ablative fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in the treatment of recent surgical scars in the head and neck region.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, randomized, single-blind intrapatient controlled study was conducted on 9 postoperative scars in the head and neck region. On half of the scar, 3 treatment sessions were performed. Physician/Patient Global Assessment (PhGA/PGA) and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales (POSAS) were used to evaluate treatment efficacy. Safety was evaluated by registration of pain and adverse events.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No statistically significant differences were noted in terms of PhGA or POSAS (observer). Patient Global Assessment (p = 0.058) and POSAS (patient) (p = 0.091) showed a trend toward better improvement of the treated half. Itch score (p = 0.046) and global end evaluation (patient) (p = 0.026) demonstrated a statistically significant difference in favor of the treated part. Adverse events were minor, and no long-term side effects were noted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of CO2 fractional laser is safe and is associated with high patient satisfaction. However, objective measurements could not confirm its efficacy in the treatment of recent surgical scars.
authors.affiliation: *Faculty of Medicine, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; †Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; ‡Department of Head, Neck and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Buelens
authors.forename: Anne-Sophie
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Van Hove
authors.forename: Katia
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ongenae
authors.forename: Hilde
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lapeere
authors.forename: Wouter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Huvenne
authors.forename: Hubert
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Vermeersch
authors.forename: Evelien
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Verhaeghe
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Boone
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D054020:Lasers, Gas; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*