Treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids using a pulsed dye laser; applications and limitations

In recent years, a pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatment for hypertrophic scars or keloids has been reported. We have applied PDL to scars with marked redness since PDL was introduced to our department in 1989. We could obtain good results not only in reducing the redness but also in reducing the thickness of the scar itself. In this report, the effect of PDL treatment was confirmed in 14 hypertrophic scars and 6 keloids treated only by the PDL without any other conventional options. The results were estimated as 5 grades (excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor). Sixteen cases (80%) were rated good or better. There were no cases that worsened. The hypertrophic scars become more pliable, thinner and the redness disappeared quicker than in the natural course. But the contracture did not improve so much. The decrease in the number of blood vessels inside the scar may result in the reduction of the redness and volume of the scar. Reactive oxygen radicals such as NO newly produced by the heat reaction were thought to be one of the important factors behind the effect.