The history of CO2 laser therapy in burns
Sinem Gultekin1, Andrew Castley1, 1Tasmanian Burns Unit, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Abstract
The use of CO2 laser therapy for burn scars dates back to the 1980s when the technology was first developed as a tool for surgical debridement. At the time, traditional scar management methods such as compression therapy, silicone sheeting, and topical treatments were the standard of care for burn patients. The laser’s precision allowed for more accurate and controlled tissue removal than traditional surgical methods, reducing the risk of further damage to healthy tissue. This early use of CO2 laser therapy proved successful in improving wound healing and reducing the severity of scarring.
As the use of CO2 laser therapy became more common in the treatment of burns, researchers began to explore its potential as a scar management tool. Studies in the 1990s showed that CO2 laser therapy could effectively reduce the thickness and redness of hypertrophic scars, a common type of scar that can form after a burn injury.
Over the years, improvements in CO2 laser technology have made the procedure safer and more effective. Advances such as fractional laser technology, which delivers the laser energy in a controlled pattern to reduce damage to surrounding tissue, have expanded the scope of CO2 laser therapy for burn scars.
Today, CO2 laser therapy is considered a safe and effective treatment option for reducing the severity of burn scars. While traditional scar management methods remain an important part of burn care, CO2 laser therapy has proven to be a valuable addition to the treatment options available for burn patients.
Biography
Sinem Gultekin is a current plastic surgery registrar at Royal Hobart Hospital with an interest in general plastics and burns.