Usefulness of a 1,064 nm Microlens Array-type, Picosecond-dominant Laser for Pigmented Scars with Improvement of Vancouver Scar Scale

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesThe picosecond 755 nm alexandrite laser was first approved by the US FDA in 2012. A previous study described the use of a 1,064 nm picosecond laser with a micro-lens array (MLA) in peri-areolar scarring from breast reconstruction surgery and reported significant improvement in the texture and aesthetic appearance of the scar without other wound complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the improvement of overall scarring, not just pigmentation, in the picosecond laser treatment of patients with pigmentations. Materials and MethodsSixteen patients who underwent 1,064 nm picosecond laser treatment from June 2016 to December 2018 were enrolled in this study. Patients received two to six sessions of picosecond laser treatment at intervals of 4 weeks. Before and after the laser treatment, the patients evaluated their own satisfaction score and a physician evaluated the Vancouver Scar Scale. To evaluate the satisfaction score and complication rate, a retrospective chart review was done. ResultsSeven were female and nine were male. The mean of the patients' satisfaction score before the treatment was 1.44 (interquartile range [IQR], 1-2) and 3.00 (IQR 2.25-3.75) six months after treatment. The mean of the Vancouver Scar Scale before the treatment was 9.69 (IQR 8-11), and 6.25 (IQR 5-7.75) six months after treatment. All the results were statistically significant (p<0.01). ConclusionThis study provides evidence that the use of a 1,064 nm picosecond laser treatment for pigmented scars can be effective in improving the pigmentation and overall scar status, including vascularity, height, and pliability, with the results of a decrease in the VSS scores between treatments.

Correlation between Collagen Type I/III Ratio and Scar Formation in Patients Undergoing Immediate Reconstruction with the Round Block Technique after Breast-Conserving Surgery

“…Second, this study used VSS, a widely accepted and validated tool for measuring scar affinity, to evaluate scars. VSS has been used in many studies because it is a reliable and useful tool for scar assessment [ 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Third, another advantage of this study is that the relationship between the collagen type I/III ratio and scar formation could be understood in more detail by using multiple linear regression analysis to identify the factors affecting scar formation.…”

Combination Treatment of Nd:YAG Picosecond-domain Laser and Fractional CO2 Laser for Contracted Neck Scar with Hyperpigmentation

“…Picosecond laser with MLA pulses concentrate enough power in targeted spots to generate LIOB either in the epidermis or the dermis. 5,6 Laser-induced optical breakdown is different from other laser-based method that it's a non-linear absorption process only can occur when the radiance is high enough to produce a critical free electron density of 10 21 cm -3 . Free electrons around targeted area absorb laser light and form second free electrons.…”

“…In the last step of LIOB, plasma generation inducing explosive vaporization occurs. 6,7 It makes cavitation bubbles in the skin. These bubbles expand and disrupt tissues around and generate shock waves that last disruption of tissue and generate repair.…”

Combination treatment for post-traumatic facial scars: 1,064-nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser with micro-lens array after fractional ablative CO2 laser

“…In previous studies, we also reported on the usefulness of treatment for depressed or pigmented scars through 1,064-nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser with micro-lens array (MLA). 3,4 There are several studies comparing the two treatments, but there is no study that combined the two treatments. 5 In this study, after several fractional CO2 laser treatment sessions, we tried to see if additional picosecond laser was effective on facial scars.…”