Combined Treatment with 1,550-nm Fractional Erbium:Glass Fiber and 2,940-nm Fractional Erbium:YAG Lasers for Atrophic Scars

Abstract

Atrophic scars may arise from various causes, including herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and burns. In treating atrophic scars, the application of individual treatments alone has proven to be ineffective. Meanwhile, however, combined treatment methods have been found to offer synergistic effects for better treatment results with minimal adverse reactions. In this report, we describe our experiences in treating two patients with atrophic scars: One with HSV-induced atrophic scars on the cheek, and the other with burn-induced atrophic and dyspigmented scars along the lower leg. Patients were effectively treated with combined treatment using a non-ablative 1,550-nm fractional erbium (Er):glass fiber laser and an ablative 2,940-nm fractional Er:yttrium aluminum garnet laser. We suggest that combined therapy with different kinds of fractional lasers may provide synergistic therapeutic effects in treating Asian patients with atrophic scars.