Intense pulsed light and laser treatment regimen improves scar evolution after cleft lip repair surgery.

Objective: To observe the effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) and lattice CO laser treatment on scar evolution following cleft lip repair.

Methods: Fifty cleft lip repair patients were enrolled in this study. Twenty-five patients used conventional approach with scar cream massage combined with silica gel products after operation. While other 25 patients which received IPL and lattice CO laser treatments. The treatments commenced 1 week after removal of stitches and observation of scar hyperplasia. Scar evolution was evaluated with the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) by postoperative photographs.

Results: Relative to the conventional approach, the laser treatments showed improved scar softening and flattening. These differences were reflected in the groups' significantly different VSS scores.

Conclusion: Intense pulsed light combined with lattice CO laser treatment can improve cleft lip surgery scar pliability and appearance, while alleviating children from having to endure the pain of scar massage.