Intense pulsed light and laser treatment regimen improves scar evolution after cleft lip repair surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) and lattice CO2 laser treatment on scar evolution following cleft lip repair.

METHODS

Fifty cleft lip repair patients were enrolled in this study. Twenty-five patients used conventional approach with scar cream massage combined with silica gel products after operation. While other 25 patients which received IPL and lattice CO2 laser treatments. The treatments commenced 1 week after removal of stitches and observation of scar hyperplasia. Scar evolution was evaluated with the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) by postoperative photographs.

RESULTS

Relative to the conventional approach, the laser treatments showed improved scar softening and flattening. These differences were reflected in the groups' significantly different VSS scores.

CONCLUSION

Intense pulsed light combined with lattice CO2 laser treatment can improve cleft lip surgery scar pliability and appearance, while alleviating children from having to endure the pain of scar massage.