The microsecond 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser as an adjunct to improving surgical scars following Mohs micrographic surgery.

Background: Scarring following skin surgery is an unavoidable certainty. Scars resulting from Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) can cause both cosmetic and functional problems. Various lasers have been used to treat scars, but the role of the microsecond pulsed 1064 nanometer neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (1064 nm Nd:YAG) in treating surgical scars is not well-defined. Objective: We aim to examine the clinical application of the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser in improving surgical scars. Methods: Ten patients who were unhappy with cosmetic or functional outcomes of their surgical scars following MMS were treated with 1–3 sessions of the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser to improve their scars. Therapy completion was determined by patient satisfaction with the appearance of their scars and/or resolution of any contractures that formed following surgery. Results: All ten patients were pleased with the improved appearance of their scars. Four patients saw complete resolution of an ectropion or eclabium that formed secondar...