Ablative Fractional Resurfacing for Chronic Wounds from Traumatic Scarring: A Case Report and Literature Review

Ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) can be utilized to improve scar appearance, texture, pain and associated contractures. Non-healing ulcers can also develop in areas of scarring and, in some cases, AFR can be utilized to heal these chronic wounds. We present a case of scarring with non-healing ulceration refractory to wound care, debridement and hydrotherapy successfully healed in four sessions with AFR using a 2940 nm Er:YAG laser. We review the literature on AFR for wound healing including potential mechanisms. AFR can be considered for non-healing ulcers in areas of scarring, once malignancy and infection are ruled out, and has the potential to provide relief for these suffering patients.