Appropriate Timing for Thyroidectomy Scar Treatment Using a 1,550-nm Fractional Erbium-Glass Laser

BackgroundSurgical scarring is a common cosmetic problem that occurs in various surgical fields, including dermatology. Many trials have been conducted to determine how to prevent this distressing scar formation. A 1,550-nm fractional erbium-glass laser has been used to improve the appearance of surgical scars, but an appropriate treatment time has not been established. ObjectivesTo determine the appropriate time to apply 1,550-nm fractional erbium-glass laser treatment for thyroidectomy scars. Materials and methodsKorean patients with linear surgical suture lines after thyroidectomy (N=65) were treated using a 1,550-nm fractional erbium-glass laser. Patients were divided into three groups according to postoperative treatment time. Laser treatment was started in 40, 15, and 10 patients 3weeks, 3months, and 6months postoperatively, respectively. Each patient was treated three times at 1-month intervals using the same parameters (14mJ, 100 spots/cm(2), 2 passes). ResultsMean Vancouver Scar Scale scores were significantly lower after laser treatment (p<.01), with the greatest difference in the group that began treatment 3weeks postoperatively. Global assessment also indicated better cosmetic outcomes in the 3-week postoperative treatment group. ConclusionEarly postoperative 1,550-nm fractional erbium-glass laser treatment of thyroidectomy scars is more effective than later treatment.