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

Abstract Objectives To assess the safety and clinical effect of fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser combined with recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (rb-bFGF) in the treatment of mature scars after facial scald burns. Methods We collected 123 patients with mature scars after facial scald burns who received fractional CO₂ laser treatment in our department for a retrospective cohort study. According to whether the rb-bFGF gel was used during the treatment, patients were divided into CO₂ + rb-bFGF group and CO₂ group. 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. Results At the last follow-up visit, the PSAS score 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 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, patients in the CO₂ + rb-bFGF group had faster wound healing, lower incidences of persistent erythema and hyperpigmentation, and higher satisfaction. Conclusions The effect of fractional CO₂ laser combined with rb-bFGF gel in the treatment of mature scar after facial scald burn is better than that of laser alone.