Abstract
Post-surgical scarring impacts quality of life (QOL) and is a significant source of morbidity. Existing treatments targeted at improving the appearance and morbidity of scarring include laser-based therapies. Although lasers are frequently used to improve scar appearance, the effects on QOL are unclear. A scoping review was conducted to assess the impact of laser-based therapy for patients with surgical facial scarring on QOL. Throughout literature review was conducted with the guidance of a medical librarian. Relevant articles underwent two rounds of screening by two, independent reviewers. Data were extracted from each article and later analyzed. Of the four articles analyzed, laser-based therapies were demonstrated as effective in improving QOL for patients with facial scars resultant from surgical intervention. Laser-based therapy should be considered when treating facial scarring resultant from surgical intervention, as it has been shown to improve patient QOL. Standardization of QOL assessment and further studies expanding scar inclusion should be pursued given the paucity of information found through this review.
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15 February 2024
A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-02825-4
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JJ and MK were responsible for the screening and ultimate inclusion of articles. JJ was primarily responsible for the main manuscript text, with input from CR and MK, SK is a medical librarian who oversaw the project and worked within PRISMA. AS reviewed the manuscript and provided inclusion guidance. All authors reviewed the manuscript before submission.
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Jacobs, J., Kattapuram, M., Rundle, C.W. et al. The impact on quality-of-life following treatment of surgical facial scars with laser-based therapy: a scoping review. Arch Dermatol Res 316, 47 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-023-02779-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-023-02779-z