The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the sequential combined 585 nm PDL and the 1064 nm
neodymium:
yttrium-
aluminium-garnet
laser (PDL/Nd:YAG) in the treatment of surgical
scars and to evaluate the short-term effects by in vivo confocal microscopy (RCM) and the long-term effects by clinical assessment of the
scars. Twenty-five patients were enrolled with 39 postoperative linear
scars; each
scar was divided into two fields. One half was treated with the combined PDL/
Nd:YAG laser, whereas the other half remained untreated. Each
scar was treated three times at monthly intervals.
Scars were evaluated by an independent examiner, using the Vancouver
Scar Scale. The combined PDL/
Nd:YAG laser significantly improved the appearance of the
scars. In order to study the short-term effects of combined
laser treatment, six additional patients were enrolled with 7 postoperative linear
scars. One half of
scars was treated once with the combined PDL/
Nd:YAG laser. One week after this
laser treatment, both the treated and the nontreated parts of the
scars were examined by dermoscopy and RCM. The dermoscopic pictures revealed improvements even in treated areas. In conclusion, the combined PDL/
Nd:YAG laser was found to be effective in improving the quality and appearance of the surgical
scars.