Our Summary

This research aimed to see if a combination of two treatments - Z-plasty (a type of plastic surgery technique) and fractional CO2 laser therapy - could help manage thick, raised burn scars. The study involved 105 patients who had these types of scars but didn’t have any physical limitations because of them.

The researchers used a well-known scoring system (the Vancouver Scar Scale or VSS) to measure the severity of the scars before and after treatment. They also measured the height of the scars. The results showed that both the VSS score and the scar height improved after treatment in all the groups of patients.

The most significant improvement was seen in the group of patients who were treated within six months of getting their scars. Almost 90% of these patients were happy with the results. In contrast, the satisfaction rate was lowest (around 66%) in the group of patients who were treated more than a year after getting their scars.

In conclusion, this study suggests that using Z-plasty to reduce the thickness of a burn scar, followed by fractional CO2 laser treatment to improve the scar’s color and texture, can be an effective way to manage these types of scars. The results seemed to be best when the treatment was done early.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the research on Z-plasty and fractional CO2 laser therapy?
  2. What was the most significant finding from the study involving the combination of Z-plasty and fractional CO2 laser therapy?
  3. How does the timing of the treatment affect the satisfaction rate among patients with burn scars?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient about Z-plasty that it is a surgical technique that can be used to improve the appearance of thick, raised burn scars. It may be most effective when combined with other treatments, such as fractional CO2 laser therapy. It is important to seek treatment early for the best results.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended Z-plasty are those with thick, raised burn scars who do not have any physical limitations because of them. It is especially effective for patients who receive treatment within six months of getting their scars, as they tend to have the most significant improvements in scar appearance and satisfaction rates. It may not be as effective for patients who wait longer to seek treatment.

Timeline

Timeline:

Before Z-plasty treatment:

  • Patient has thick, raised burn scars
  • Scars are measured using the Vancouver Scar Scale and scar height is recorded
  • Patient does not have any physical limitations due to the scars

After Z-plasty treatment:

  • Z-plasty is performed to reduce the thickness of the scars
  • Fractional CO2 laser therapy is used to improve the color and texture of the scars
  • Scars are measured again using the Vancouver Scar Scale and scar height is recorded
  • Patients who were treated within six months of getting their scars show the most significant improvement
  • Patients who were treated more than a year after getting their scars show lower satisfaction rates
  • Overall, the combination of Z-plasty and fractional CO2 laser therapy is shown to be effective in managing thick, raised burn scars, especially when treatment is done early.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How does Z-plasty work to reduce the thickness of burn scars?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with Z-plasty and fractional CO2 laser therapy?
  3. How long will it take to see results from the treatment?
  4. Are there any specific post-treatment care instructions I should follow?
  5. Will I need multiple sessions of treatment to achieve optimal results?
  6. What is the success rate of this treatment combination for managing thick, raised burn scars?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments available for managing my type of scars?
  8. How soon after getting a burn scar should I seek treatment for the best results?
  9. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or surgeries in the future to maintain the results?
  10. Can you provide me with before and after photos of patients who have undergone this treatment combination for similar scars?

Reference

Authors: Li N, Yang L, Cheng J, Han J, Hu D. Journal: J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Nov;74(11):3087-3093. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.03.079. Epub 2021 Apr 20. PMID: 34045143