Effect of fractional carbon dioxide laser combined with recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor gel in the treatment of mature scar after facial scald burns: a retrospective cohort study

Lasers Med Sci. 2025 Aug 12;40(1):332. doi: 10.1007/s10103-025-04578-6.

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser combined with recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (rb-bFGF) gel for treating mature scars secondary to facial scald burns. In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 123 patients with mature facial scald burn scars treated with fractional CO₂ laser. According to whether the rb-bFGF gel was used during the treatment, patients were divided into CO₂ + rb-bFGF group (n = 56) and CO₂ group (n = 67). The modified Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) scar score was used to evaluate the clinical effect. Patient satisfaction and adverse events were also assessed. At the last follow-up visit, the PSAS score (mean ± SD) was statistically different between the two groups (7.74 ± 2.15 vs. 9.41 ± 1.97; P < 0.01), including color (1.79 ± 0.77 vs. 2.80 ± 1.15; P < 0.01), stiffness (1.75 ± 0.62 vs. 2.00 ± 0.50; P < 0.01), and thickness (1.96 ± 0.48 vs. 2.16 ± 0.51; P < 0.01); the OSAS score (mean ± SD) was statistically different between the two groups (11.34 ± 3.21 vs. 12.96 ± 3.12; P < 0.01), including pigmentation (1.75 ± 0.78 vs. 2.61 ± 1.20; P < 0.01), thickness (1.92 ± 0.51 vs. 2.10 ± 0.42; P < 0.05), relief (1.64 ± 0.60 vs. 1.86 ± 0.50; P < 0.05), and pliability (1.96 ± 0.62 vs. 2.24 ± 0.52; P < 0.05). For patient satisfaction and adverse events, the CO₂ + rb-bFGF group demonstrated accelerated wound healing (4 days vs. 7 days, P < 0.01), reduced incidences of persistent erythema (5.36% vs. 19.40%, P < 0.05) and hyperpigmentation (0% vs. 8.96%, P < 0.05), and higher patient global assessment score (8.09 ± 0.60 vs. 7.02 ± 1.01; P < 0.01). Combination therapy with fractional CO₂ laser and rb-bFGF gel demonstrates superior clinical outcomes compared to laser monotherapy for mature facial scald burn scars, with significant improvements in scar characteristics, fewer complications, and better patient acceptance.

PMID:40789953 | DOI:10.1007/s10103-025-04578-6