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Treatment of keloid scars using light-, laser- and energy-based devices: a contemporary review of the literature

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Abstract

Keloid scars are common and have a predilection for young, ethnic skin often with a family history. Keloids can be painful and pruritic and cause significant emotional distress when particularly visible or prominent. In this article, we review the evidence underlying the use of laser- and energy-based devices for treatment of keloid scars, either as monotherapy or in conjunction with other therapies such as corticosteroids, surgery and silicone gel in the treatment of keloid scars.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Rd, London, SW10 9NH, UK

    E. Forbat

  2. Dermatological Surgery & Laser Unit, St John’s Institute of Dermatology,, St Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK

    F. R. Ali & F. Al-Niaimi

Authors
  1. E. Forbat
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  2. F. R. Ali
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  3. F. Al-Niaimi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to F. Al-Niaimi.

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The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

What’s already known about this topic?

• Keloid scars have a higher predilection for younger, ethnic skin.

• Keloid scars can be caused by a multitude of mechanisms, including injury, acne, surgical trauma, piercings and burns.

• Existing treatments for keloid scars include corticosteroid injections, silicone sheeting, cryotherapy, surgical excision, 5-fluorouracil and interferon alfa-2b injections, radiotherapy.

What does this study add?

• We have comprehensively reviewed and summarised contemporary literature relating to the use of light-, laser- and energy-based devices for treatment of keloid scars and quantified the evidence according to the strength of recommendation taxonomy criteria.

• Although initial findings are promising for multiple subcategories of lasers, lights and fractional radiofrequency, current evidence comprises multiple small studies and with few randomised trials

• The use of lasers in keloids is a relatively new concept, as either monotherapy or an adjunct to medical therapies. Future use of laser-assisted delivery to treat keloid scars has potential.

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Forbat, E., Ali, F.R. & Al-Niaimi, F. Treatment of keloid scars using light-, laser- and energy-based devices: a contemporary review of the literature. Lasers Med Sci 32, 2145–2154 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-017-2332-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-017-2332-5

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