Introduction Laser Assisted Skin Healing (LASH) is based on the therapeutic effects of controlled thermal post-conditioning. The authors have previously demonstrated on animal evaluations that an 810-nm diode-laser system could assist wound closure leading to an improvement of wound healing with indiscernible resulting scar. 
Materials and Methods A pilot study was conducted on 15 patients (Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV) in order to determine optimal treatment dose and to evaluate safety and performance of the laser system. Each surgical incision (e.g. abdominoplasty) was divided into two fields, with 8cm receiving one pass of laser treatment, immediately after skin closure, the other part remaining untreated. Laser treatment was divided into two groups: 9 patients were treated with low dose (50-80J/cm²) and 6 patients with high dose (80-130J/cm²). Clinical evaluations (modified Vancouver Scar Scale) and digital pictures on all scars were conducted at 10 days, 3 months and 12 months.
Results After laser treatment with high doses, at 12 months, 5 out of 6 (83%) patients treated had a significant improvement of the LASH treated scar vs. the non treated part. Considering all patients, the treated portion scored significantly better for the surgeon (P = 0.046) and for patients (P = 0.025) compared with the controls. Patients reported greater satisfaction than the surgeon in the treated scar portions (P = 0.020). Blinded examiners scored significantly better the treated portion at high doses with an average improvement of 32%. No side effects were reported.
Conclusion LASH can be used to prevent and reduce scars in Plastic Surgery.