Skin Cancer Scars Minimized with Laser Treatment

.Scarring from skin cancer removal can be minimized with a fractional CO2 laser treatment, according to a study by dermatologists.

Reuters Health recently reported about a study of 10 patients undergoing Mohs surgery for skin cancer removal. The skin cancers were located in highly visible locations such as the face, neck and arms.

After removing the lesions, dermatologists treated the edges of the wound with a fractional carbon dioxide laser. To determine the effectiveness of the laser treatment, only half of the wound edges were treated each time. The physicians then closed the wounds using absorbable sutures and adhesive.

Positive results were demonstrated on the laser treated portions. Medscape.com reports:

At the two- to three-month follow-up visit, nine of the ten patients felt the laser-treated side of the wound was cosmetically superior to the untreated side. They also thought the laser-treated sides were significantly better with regard to elevation, discoloration and erythema.

Despite the advancements in skin cancer treatent, scarring remains a concern for patients. Part of the problem is the tendency for skin cancer to appear on highly visible areas of the body, including the neck and face. Therefore, an effective method for minimizing scars should be seriously examined by dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

If the results are validated, Dr. David Ozog claims that the treatment could “change the current approach in all surgical disciplines.” Dr. Ozog and Dr. Ronald Moy are reportedly continuing to study the treatment, with a larger, multi-center study in the works.

What is a Co2 laser?

The popular CO2 laser employs an invisible light that is absorbed by water, the main component of your tissue. By focusing the laser beam, a doctor can use it to simultaneously cut tissue and seal blood vessels. Unfocused, the beam can remove skin growths by vaporizing the outer skin layers.

With fractional technology, the laser is applied in small columns. Energy penetrates the dermal layer, which stimulates a natural collagen renewal process. In between the columns, small areas of the tissue is untouched.

Read more about this study on Medscape, or view our website to find out more about laser treatments in Boston.