Comparative Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes of Laser Skin Resurfacing Using an Ultra-Pulse Carbon Dioxide Laser and Manual Dermabrasion Using a Medium-Grit Drywall Sand Screen for Scar Revision in Adults: A Split-Scar Prospective Study.

PURPOSE

The purpose was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of laser skin resurfacing using an ultra-pulse carbon dioxide (CO) laser and manual dermabrasion with a medium-grit drywall sand screen for scar revision in adults with Fitzpatrick skin type III to V.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 20 postsurgical and post-traumatic scars in individuals with Fitzpatrick skin type III to V were included in this study. Preoperative evaluation of the scars was performed by 3 blinded observers using the Manchester scar rating scale. Each scar to be treated was divided into 2 equal halves, and each half was randomly allotted to either ultra-pulse CO laser resurfacing (group A) or manual dermabrasion (group B). Postoperative clinical evaluation was performed by the same observers using the Manchester scar rating scale at the end of the first month, third month, and sixth month.

RESULTS

This study showed that both methods were effective in improving the appearance of the postsurgical and post-traumatic scars. No significant difference was found between them (P = .978). Hyperpigmentation occurred in 4 scars in both the half treated with manual dermabrasion and the half treated with laser resurfacing; however, it had resolved by the end of the sixth month in all 4 scars.

CONCLUSIONS

CO laser resurfacing and manual dermabrasion are equally efficacious and safe methods for scar resurfacing in adults with Fitzpatrick skin type III to V.