Prevention of Thyroidectomy Scars in Korean Patients Using a New Combination of Intralesional Injection of Low-Dose Steroid and Pulsed Dye Laser Starting within 4 Weeks of Suture Removal

Abstract

BACKGROUND Regulation of inflammation during the wound healing process reduces scar formation at the injury site. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of intralesional injection of low-dose steroid with pulsed dye laser on healing of early postoperative thyroidectomy scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty Korean women with thyroidectomy scars were enrolled. All were treated with an intralesional injection of low-dose steroid (2 mg/mL) and 595-nm pulsed dye laser starting within 4 weeks of suture removal. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Global Assessment Score (GAS), and Patient Satisfaction Score were used in this evaluation. RESULTS Average VSS scores were significantly lower after treatment. The GAS also indicated better cosmetic outcomes after steroid injection in the laser treatment group than after laser treatment only. CONCLUSION Early postoperative intralesional injection of low-dose steroid and pulsed dye laser treatment is effective and safe. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.