Efficacy of Pulse Dye Laser for Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids

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Author(s): Ijaz Hussain Shah,1 Muhammad Bilal Saeed,2 Muhammad Akmal Shah,3 Naheed Ahmed4

Received: 27/01/2022 | Published: 24/02/2022 | Pages: 20-23 |


Background: Keloids and hypertrophic scars are a common problem encountered by plastic surgeons. Traditional treatments like intralesional steroids, or excision have high recurrence rate and often suboptimal results. Pulse Dye Laser is a relatively newer modality for treatment of such scars, especially if administered within the first 12 months. Objective: The Objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of pulse dye laser in treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Methodology This descriptive case series was carried out at Pak Italian Modern Burn center, Nishtar Medical University and Hospital Multan. All patients who presented with keloids and hypertrophic scars over a period of one year from 01 April 2020 to 31st March 2021 were included in the study. All patients underwent 3 sessions of PDL therapy. Effectiveness of pulsed dye laser was assessed in terms of vascularity, pigmentation and pliability. Results: After three sessions of PDL, 32(80%) patients were able to achieve ‘normal’ vascularity; 38(95%) patients achieved normal pigmentation; and 24(60%) patients were able to have pliable skin. Conclusion: Pulse dye laser is very effective in treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scaring. Its noninvasive, and easily tolerable especially in children with negligible adverse effects.

Keywords | pulse dye laser, keloids, hypertrophic scar