BACKGROUND

Ultrapulse CO fractional lasers are increasingly used for scar treatment. However, the optimal timing for the treatment of traumatic facial scars in children is unclear.

AIM

This retrospective study evaluated the clinical efficacy of ultrapulse CO fractional laser treatment for immature facial scars in pediatric patients, with a focus on identifying the optimal timing to achieve the best possible outcomes.

PATIENTS/METHODS: A total of 106 children with traumatic facial scars were divided into three groups according to when laser treatment was started post-procedure: 1 month (Group A), 3 months (Group B), and 6 months (Group C). Three months after two treatments, the therapeutic effects, adverse reactions, and satisfaction of the patients' families were compared between the three groups.

RESULTS

After two treatments, the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores were significantly lower than before treatment in all groups (p < 0.001). Pairwise comparisons demonstrated statistically significant differences between Groups A and B, and between Groups A and C (p < 0.001). Adverse reactions were not significantly different among the three groups (p > 0.05). At the follow-up after two treatments, significantly more patients were very satisfied in Group A than in Groups B and C (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Early intervention with an ultrapulse CO fractional laser can effectively treat traumatic facial scars in children. The clinical effect and patient satisfaction were better with treatment initiated 1 month post procedure than with treatment 3-6 months post procedure. It has few adverse reactions and high safety and is worthy of clinical promotion and application.