Dr. Yoav Gronovich
Shaare-Zedek Medical Center, Israel
Title: Improvement of facial scars using autologous fat graft and 1540nm non-ablative erbium laser
Biography
Biography: Dr. Yoav Gronovich
Abstract
Facial scars are a devastating problem both aesthetic and functional. Many treatments have been proposed for improvement of scars. Among the advanced treatments are the use of non-ablative laser which facilitate the synthesis and deposition of collagen in the dermis. Other advanced treatments include fat grafting. This method helps to reshape the scar by volumetric effect of the fat cells, and improve its contour by the adipose derived stem cells that accompany the fat transfer.
Purpose:
We present our experience with 20 consecutive cases of facial scars using fat grafting and resurfacing with 1540 nm non-ablative erbium laser. We wish to emphasize the main advantages of this treatment combination.
Methods and materials:
We began using this combination of treatment in January, 2014, since when twenty patients (8 females, 12 males), median age 42 years (range 16-59) were treated for facial scars using autologous fat graft and non-ablative 1540nm erbium laser. The causes of the scars included trauma (73%) and acne. Two thirds of the scars were new (less than 30 days old). In all of the cases treatment included fat injection to the surface of the scar, using Coleman technique, and a series of five treatments of 1540nm erbium laser (ICON TM Cynosure; Westford, MA, USA) beginning a month later. Patients were evaluated both before and after each treatment, and a follow up of six months was done.
Results:
In all of the cases, the treatment was uneventful with no side effects. The scars were improved both in texture and appearance. Patient satisfaction was high in all of the cases.
Conclusion:
The combination of autologous fat grafting with fractional non ablative laser for scars is a safe and efficient treatment that improves scar appearance and texture.