Efficacy and safety of 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with low fluence for keloids and hypertrophic scars

Abstract

Background: Several treatment modalities using laser devices have been used for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars with various therapeutic outcomes.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the efficacy and safety of 1064-nm Q-switched (QS) Nd:YAG laser with low fluence on keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Methods: Keloids and hypertrophic scars located at 21 anatomic sites in 12 Korean patients (10 men and 2 women; mean age 23.8 years, range 21-33) were treated using 1064-nm QS Nd:YAG laser with low fluence at 1-2 week intervals. Treatment settings were 1.8-2.2 J/cm(2), 7-mm spot size and 5-6 passes with appropriate overlapping.

Results: Follow-up data collected 3 months after the final treatment revealed decreases in the mean score for the following lesion characteristics: pigmentation from 1.8 to 1.2; vascularity from 1.4 to 1.0; pliability from 3.0 to 2.0 and height from 2.3 to 1.8. The modified Vancouver General Hospital Burn Scar Assessment score decreased from 8.6 to 5.9 (P < 0.0001). Observed side-effects were a mild prickling sensation during treatment, and mild post-treatment erythema, both of which resolved within few hours.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that QS Nd:YAG laser with low fluence may be used for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars.