Hypertrophic scars are an abnormal type of scar that form as a result of trauma or injury. Hypertrophic scars are raised, thickened and wider when compared with normal scar. As a result, the appearance is often a cosmetic concern when compared to a normal scarring response. As well as being a cosmetic concern they can also be itchy and painful. Hypertrophic scars differ from keloid scars in that they do not grow beyond the margins or the wound or injury.
Treatments range from conservative or minimally invasive interventions, such as compression, silicone sheeting, topical or intralesional corticosteroids, and intralesional chemotherapy agents, to surgical excision with various reconstructive techniques and radiation therapy [2,3]. Because of the high risk of recurrence, especially for keloids, multiple or combination therapies are often required to achieve functional and/or cosmetic improvement.
Laser therapy is a relatively new treatment modality for keloids and hypertrophic scars. In particular, the utilization of specific laser platforms has emerged as a successful strategy in the treatment of symptomatic hypertrophic scars following burn injury.