Lasers, Optics & Photonics

Biography

Biography: Yongsoo Lee

Abstract

Surgical scar revision (SSR) has been the main treatment modality for scars, with few alternative options until lasers were developed and were found to be useful. Combination laser treatment (CLT) and combined CLT and SSR have not been studied in detail, despite evidence demonstrating that the combination of these modalities could result in statistically better outcomes. Immature scars (IS), a novel class of scars, defi ned as “scars whose features are not yet expressed,” are situated at a treatment nexus between SSR and CLT. Vascular lasers have been shown to improve scar quality with treatment on the suture removal day, while fractional lasers are being tested on scars in early stages. However, there are few studies on early laser treatment of scars and no guidelines for the treatment of IS. Th e recently published article by the author demonstrates how IS need to be treated for better outcomes. Th e study also provides useful guidelines for practitioners, based on statistical analysis. Th e study design and statistical methodology of the study will be presented orally and the results are summarised as follows. Th e outcome of facial scarring is more enhanced than that observed in non-facial scars. Facial scars in patients under the age of 15 exhibited greater results when compared to facial scars in older patients. Th e choice of initial vascular laser used on facial scars, either 532nm or 585nm, had no signifi cant eff ect on scar outcome. Th erefore, it is advised that CLT be initiated as soon as possible aft er stitch removal to improve facial scar outcome. Furthermore, younger patients are expected to have a more improved result than those who are older.