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Review
. 2023 Sep;16(9):28-32.

Laser-Assisted Prostaglandin Analogs in the Treatment of Hypopigmented Scars: A Systematic Review

Pooja H Rambhia  1 , Angel D Pagan  2 , Karan Lal  3 , David Goldberg  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Laser-Assisted Prostaglandin Analogs in the Treatment of Hypopigmented Scars: A Systematic Review

Pooja H Rambhia et al. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Hypopigmented scars are challenging to treat due to a lack of effective treatments and often transient results. Recent reports suggest that prostaglandin analog-induced hyperpigmentation may have favorable dermatological applications.

Objective: Analyze previous studies involving the use of prostaglandin analogs in the treatment of hypopigmented scars.

Methods: PubMed/Medline was queried through 10/01/2022 with the following search terms: (bimatoprost AND scar), (latanoprost AND scar), (travoprost AND scar), (prostaglandin analogs AND hypopigmented scars), (PGF2alpha AND hyperpigmentation), (prostaglandin analogs AND hyperpigmentation).

Results: In total, 88 unique studies were reviewed for eligibility. Five studies met inclusion criteria including two prospective, double-blinded, randomized (only one was placebo-controlled), one prospective case series, one retrospective chart review, and one case report; comprising a total of 87 patients. All five studies utilized topical prostaglandin analogs as an adjunctive treatment via laser-assisted delivery. While both, the placebo-controlled and non-placebo-controlled, trials reported more than 75 percent of patients experienced at least 50 percent or more (Grade 3 or higher) improvement, the retrospective study reported 100 percent of patients experienced at least 75 percent or more (Grade 4 or higher) improvement, measured as scar repigmentation. The prospective case series and the reported single case showed overall qualitative improvement in all patients measured as repigmentation of hypopigmented and depigmented scars.

Limitations: Different laser devices, parameters, treatment frequency, and follow-up timepoints.

Conclusion: All studies evaluated demonstrated favorable treatment outcomes with no reported adverse events. Additional, large randomized controlled trials are needed to fully assess the effectiveness and long-term safety of PGF2α agonists for hypopigmented scars.

Keywords: bimatoprost; hyperpigmentation; hypopigmented scars; lasers; prostaglandin analogs; skin of color; systematic review.

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Conflict of interest statement

DISCLOSURES: The authors declare no relevant conflicts of interest for this study.

Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
Flow chart depicting the study selection process in our systematic review
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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