Ablative Fractional Resurfacing for Chronic Wounds from Traumatic Scarring: A Case Report and Literature Review

J Drugs Dermatol. 2020 Nov 1;19(11):1112-1115. doi: 10.36849/JDD.2020.5444.

Abstract

Ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) can be utilized to improve scar appearance, texture, pain and associated contractures. Non-healing ulcers can also develop in areas of scarring and, in some cases, AFR can be utilized to heal these chronic wounds. We present a case of scarring with non-healing ulceration refractory to wound care, debridement and hydrotherapy successfully healed in four sessions with AFR using a 2940 nm Er:YAG laser. We review the literature on AFR for wound healing including potential mechanisms. AFR can be considered for non-healing ulcers in areas of scarring, once malignancy and infection are ruled out, and has the potential to provide relief for these suffering patients.J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(11): doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5444.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Wall
  • Aged
  • Biological Dressings*
  • Chronic Disease / therapy
  • Cicatrix / etiology
  • Cicatrix / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy / instrumentation
  • Laser Therapy / methods*
  • Lasers, Gas / therapeutic use
  • Lasers, Solid-State / therapeutic use
  • Skin / injuries*
  • Skin / radiation effects
  • Skin Ulcer / etiology
  • Skin Ulcer / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing / radiation effects