The use of laser in keloid and hypertrophic scar.

Keloid and hypertrophic scar are hyperproliferation of dense connective tissue characterized by the growth of fibrotic tissue. The pathogenesis of keloid and hypertrophic scar is still expanding, hence there is no optimal therapy. Laser is one of the modalities of keloid and hypertrophic scar therapy. Laser's modality which can be used for keloid and hypertrophic scar are pulsed dye laser (PDL), carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) lasers, fractional laser as well as laser assisted drug delivery (LADD) techniques. The target of laser is the selective photothermolysis with chromophores of hemoglobin and water. The mechanism of laser causing coagulation necrosis is by generating heat, resulting in neocolagenesis, while LADD is a technique of laser to assist application of drugs, such as triamcinolone acetonide. Benefit of laser is less painful thus can be an option for extensive scar. Purpose of this study is to determine the role of lasers as a treatment modality for keloid and hypertrophic scar to improve clinical skills of clinician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]