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August 2015

Discussing Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser and Other Physical Treatments for Scar Prevention With Patients

Author Affiliations
  • 1Division of Mohs and Dermatological Surgery, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
  • 2Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Beverly Hills
JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151(8):815-816. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.0594

One of the most common questions our patients ask, particularly after excisional surgery, is how to minimize postoperative scarring. They specifically ask us about the myriad topical treatments that are often advertised directly to consumers. Many of these products are used early in the postoperative course. We are rarely asked about the use of devices to minimize scarring. Has the time come for surgeons to discuss early treatment with lasers or other physical modalities with their patients? There is growing evidence that early physical treatments improve the ultimate outcome of a surgical scar.

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