• Medical Lasers
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.19-23
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• 2019

Background and Objectives The picosecond 755 nm alexandrite laser was first approved by the US FDA in 2012. A previous study described the use of a 1,064 nm picosecond laser with a micro-lens array (MLA) in peri-areolar scarring from breast reconstruction surgery and reported significant improvement in the texture and aesthetic appearance of the scar without other wound complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the improvement of overall scarring, not just pigmentation, in the picosecond laser treatment of patients with pigmentations. Materials and Methods Sixteen patients who underwent 1,064 nm picosecond laser treatment from June 2016 to December 2018 were enrolled in this study. Patients received two to six sessions of picosecond laser treatment at intervals of 4 weeks. Before and after the laser treatment, the patients evaluated their own satisfaction score and a physician evaluated the Vancouver Scar Scale. To evaluate the satisfaction score and complication rate, a retrospective chart review was done. Results Seven were female and nine were male. The mean of the patients' satisfaction score before the treatment was 1.44 (interquartile range [IQR], 1-2) and 3.00 (IQR 2.25-3.75) six months after treatment. The mean of the Vancouver Scar Scale before the treatment was 9.69 (IQR 8-11), and 6.25 (IQR 5-7.75) six months after treatment. All the results were statistically significant (p<0.01). Conclusion This study provides evidence that the use of a 1,064 nm picosecond laser treatment for pigmented scars can be effective in improving the pigmentation and overall scar status, including vascularity, height, and pliability, with the results of a decrease in the VSS scores between treatments.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제41권2호
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• pp.111-115
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• 2014

Analysis of scars in various conditions is essential, but no consensus had been reached on the scar assessment scale to select for a given condition. We reviewed papers to determine the scar assessment scale selected depending on the scar condition and treatment method. We searched PubMed for articles published since 2000 with the contents of the scar evaluation using a scar assessment scale with a Journal Citation Report impact factor >0.5. Among them, 96 articles that conducted a scar evaluation using a scar assessment scale were reviewed and analyzed. The scar assessment scales were identified and organized by various criteria. Among the types of scar assessment scales, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was found to be the most frequently used scale. As for the assessment of newly developed operative scars, the POSAS was most used. Meanwhile, for categories depending on the treatment methods for preexisting scars, the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was used in 6 studies following a laser treatment, the POSAS was used in 7 studies following surgical treatment, and the POSAS was used in 7 studies following a conservative treatment. Within the 12 categories of scar status, the VSS showed the highest frequency in 6 categories and the POSAS showed the highest frequency in the other 6 categories. According to our reviews, the POSAS and VSS are the most frequently used scar assessment scales. In the future, an optimal, universal scar scoring system is needed in order to better evaluate and treat pathologic scarring.

• 대한두개안면성형외과학회지
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.92-98
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• 2020

Background: Posttraumatic acquired facial deformities require surgical treatment, with options including scar revision, fat grafts, implant insertion, and flap coverage. However, each technique has specific advantages and disadvantages. Methods: From 2016 to 2018, 13 patients (eight with scar contracture and five with a depressed scar) were treated using dermofat grafts from the groin. The harvested dermofat was then inserted into the undermined dead space after the contracture was released, and a bolster suture was done for fixation considering the patient's contour and asymmetry. A modified version of the Vancouver Scar Scale and satisfaction survey were used to compare deformity improvements before and after surgery. Results: In most cases, effective volume correction and an aesthetically satisfactory contour were maintained well after dermofat grafting, without any major complications. In some cases, however, lipolysis proceeded rapidly when inflammation and infection were not completely eliminated. A significant difference was found in the modified Vancouver Scar Scale before and after surgery, with a p-value of 0.001. The average score on the satisfaction survey was 17.07 out of 20 points. Conclusion: A dermofat graft with the groin as the donor site can be considered as an effective surgical option that is the simplest and most cost-effective method for the treatment of acquired facial deformities with scar contracture.

• 대한간호학회지
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• 제37권2호
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• pp.221-226
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• 2007

Purpose. Hypertrophic scarring and depression are the principal problems of bum rehabilitation. This study was done to verify the effects of skin rehabilitation massage therapy (SRMT) on pruritus, skin status, and depression for Korean bum survivors. Methods. A pretest - posttest design using a nonequivalent control group was applied to examine the effects of SRMT for 3 months in a group of 18 bum survivors. The major dependent variables - including pruritus, objective and subjective scar status, and depression - were measured at the beginning and at the end of the therapy to examine the effects of SRMT. Results. Bum survivors receiving SRMT showed reduced pruritus, improved skin status, and depression. The remaining scar also showed improvement in skin pigmentation, pliability, vascularity, and height (compared to the surrounding skin) as measured on the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Conclusions. The findings demonstrate that SRMT for bum survivors may improve their scars both objectively and subjectively, and also reduce pruritus and depression.

• Medical Lasers
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.179-183
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• 2020

The picosecond laser has been widely used to remove tattoos, and improve wrinkles, acne scarring, and pigmented scars. This study was performed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a 1,064-nm fractional picosecond laser treatment for depressed traumatic scars. A total of twenty Korean patients with depressed scars were treated with a 1,064-nm fractional picosecond laser at a two-week interval with a spot size of 3 mm, fluence of 3.5 to 5.5 J/cm², and frequency of 2 Hz with a combination of microlens arrays. At 4 weeks after the final treatment, there was a statistically significant improvement in the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) and the patient satisfaction score without any significant complication. A 1,064-nm fractional picosecond laser treatment is a safe and effective method to improve traumatic wound scars with depression.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.347-352
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• 2021

Background Mastectomy leaves unsightly scarring, which can be distressing to patients. Laser therapy for scar prevention has been consistently emphasized in recent studies showing that several types of lasers, including fractional ablation lasers, are effective for reducing scar formation. Nonetheless, there are few studies evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of ablative CO₂ fractional lasers (ACFLs). Methods This study had a randomized, comparative, prospective, split-scar design with blinded evaluation of mastectomy scars. Fifteen patients with mastectomy scars were treated using an ACFL. Half of each scar was randomized to "A," while the other side was allocated to group "B." Laser treatment was conducted randomly. Scars were assessed using digital photographs of the scar and Vancouver scar scale (VSS) scores. Histological assessments were also done. Results The mean VSS scores were 2.20±1.28 for the treatment side and 2.96±1.40 for the control side. There was a significant difference in the VSS score between the treatment side and the control side (P=0.002). The mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores were 4.13±1.36 for the treatment side and 4.67±1.53 for the control side. There was a significant difference in VAS score between the treatment side and the control side (P=0.02). Conclusions This study demonstrated that early scar treatment using an ACFL significantly improved the clinical results of the treatment compared to the untreated scar, and this difference was associated with patient satisfaction.

• 대한두경부종양학회지
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.175-178
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• 2006

Pulsed dye laser(PDL) is originally designed for the treatment of vascular lesions but also effective in improving the quality and appearance of surgical scars. Recently, 595nm Pulsed dye laser(V-beam laser), which has the advantage of deeper tissue penetration and lesser amount of purpura, is spotlighted as a new option for the treatment of surgical scar. The authors treated a surgical scar of a female patient with V-beam laser for 3 times between 4 and 12 weeks after surgery. Subjective satisfaction was improved with visual analogue scale (VAS) and objective improvements were found in parameters of vascularity, pliability and height with Vancouver Scar Scale(VSS). We report the effectiveness of V-beam laser in surgical scar of Asian patient and plan the prospective study with larger scale.

• Medical Lasers
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.90-95
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• 2021

Background and Objectives Surgery for harvesting costal cartilage is often required for revision septorhinoplasty due to a lack of septal cartilage in patients with a severely contracted nose, and postoperative scarring on the anterolateral rib cage commonly requires additional treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of combined polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and microlens array (MLA)-type nanosecond-domain neodymium (Nd):yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser treatment for postoperative scars after costal cartilage harvest surgery. Materials and Methods Nine Korean patients with scars after costal cartilage harvest surgery treated with PDRN injections and MLA-type Nd:YAG laser treatments were retrospectively reviewed. Results Most of the scar lesions exhibited clinical improvement at 2 weeks after PDRN and MLA-type nanosecond-domain laser treatments, and the lesions further improved after adding more treatment sessions. The median Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score decreased from 6 (interquartile range [IQR]: 6-7) before combined intralesional PDRN injection and MLA-type, nanosecond-domain Nd:YAG laser treatments to 3 (IQR: 2-4) thereafter. Patient satisfaction after the combination treatments was rated as satisfactory. None of our patients reported major adverse events. Conclusion This case series study demonstrated that combined PDRN and MLA-type, nanosecond-domain Nd:YAG laser treatments are effective and safe for treating scars from costal cartilage harvest surgery.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제51권1호
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• pp.94-101
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• 2024

Background For the small glabrous skin defect, Thenar and Hypothenar skin are useful donors and they have been used as a free flap. Because of similar skin characteristics, both flaps have same indications. We will conduct comparative study for the donor morbidity of the Free thenar flap and Hypothenar free flap. Methods From January 2011 to December 2021, demographic data, characteristics of each flap, and complications using retrospective chart review were obtained. Donor outcomes of the patient, who had been followed up for more than 6 months, were measured using photographic analysis and physical examination. General pain was assessed by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score, neuropathic pain was assessed by Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) score, scar appearance was assessed by modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS), and patient satisfaction was assessed on a 3-point scale. Statistical analysis was performed on the outcomes. Results Out of the 39 survey respondents, 17 patients received Free thenar flaps, and 22 patients received Hypothenar free flaps. Thenar group had higher NRS, DN4, and mVSS (p < 0.05). The average scores for the Thenar and Hypothenar groups were 1.35 and 0.27 for NRS, 2.41 and 0.55 for DN4, and 3.12 and 1.59 for mVSS, respectively. Despite the Hypothenar group showing greater satisfaction on the 3-point scale (1.82) compared with the Thenar group (1.47), the difference was not significant (p = 0.085). Linear regression analysis indicated that flap width did not have a notable impact on the outcome measures, and multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant interaction between flap width and each of the outcome measures. Conclusion Despite the limited number of participants, higher donor morbidity in general pain, neuropathic pain, and scar formation was noted in the Thenar free flap compared with the Hypothenar free flap. However, no difference in overall patient satisfaction was found between the two groups.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제51권1호
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• pp.102-109
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• 2024

Background Skin defects in the hands are common injuries, and autologous skin grafting is the ideal treatment. However, complications can occur at the donor and recipient sites. This study compares the "Swing-door" technique with conventional skin grafting. Methods From August 2019 to February 2023, 19 patients with skin defects of hand underwent the "Swing-door" split-thickness skin graft (STSG) technique. The thin epithelial layer was elevated with proximal part attached. Skin graft was harvested beneath. Donor site was then closed with epithelial flap like a "Swing-door". The outcomes were evaluated in terms of healing time, scar formation, and pain at the donor and recipient sites. The data were compared with the conventional STSG. Results The "Swing-door" group had lower graft take percentages, but complications did not significantly differ between the two groups. The "Swing-door" technique resulted in better cosmetic outcomes, as evidenced by lower Vancouver Scar Scale scores, faster donor site epithelialization, and reduced pain and discomfort during the early postoperative period, as measured by Visual Analog Scale. Conclusion The "Swing-door" STSG is a useful alternative for treating hand skin defects.