|
Abstract
|
BACKGROUND: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) can be defined as self-inflicted injury without an intention to suicide, and it may result in scar formation with a particular shape.
AIMS: There is no treatment algorithm for DSH scars, nor is there a gold standard for the treatment of hypertrophic scars. Therefore, we aimed to share our experience with Er: YAG laser treatment of self-inflicted razor blade incision scars.
PATIENTS/METHODS: The study involved 18 patients with DSH scars treated with fractional ablative Er: YAG laser (MCL 31 Asclepion laser Technologies) between 2017 and 2020, with the parameters of 40 J/cm2 , 300 µs, and 4 Hz. The sessions were repeated by increasing 10 joules in every session with 4-week intervals until reaching a maximum of 80 joules. The patients were evaluated retrospectively by two different dermatologists in terms of scar improvement over digital photographs taken before and 4 weeks after the treatment. Evaluations have been made based on a 4-point score (0:no change, 1:1%-25% mild, 2:26%-50% moderate, 3:51%-75% well, and 4:76%-100% excellent improvement).
RESULTS: After the third session, 90.9% of the patients showed a moderate improvement. After the fourth session, only 27.2% of the patients had a good, and 63.2% of the patients had a moderate improvement rate.
CONCLUSIONS: Er: YAG laser is a safe and effective treatment method for the hypertrophic scars induced by razor blades. Also, we believe that combined treatments with other treatment modalities will provide better results in DSH scars.
Language: en |