A Systematic Review: Effect of Low Level Laser on Hypertrophic Scar Post Burn

Background: Burn scars are known to be difficult to treat because of their tendency to worsen with hypertrophy and contracture. Various experimental and clinical efforts have been made to alleviate their effects but the problem has not been solved. Since patients keep asking for Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and believe in its effectiveness on burn scars, and since former studies show contradictory results of the influence of LLLT on hypertrophic scars, this study was designed to objectify the effects of LLLT on burn scars.Aim of the Study: The purpose of this study is to systematically review the effects of low level laser therapy) He-Ne, Ga-AS) on hypertrophic scar post burn.Material and Methods: Systematic review of all published studies with all research designs except expert opinions. A search was made in PubMed, Cochrane library, Pedro and Google scholar.Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria in this SR, two studies included in meta-analysis but the remaining studies is included in descriptive analysis in order not to exclude their results.Conclusion: The current level of evidence to support the effectiveness of effect of low level laser therapy on hypertrophic scar post burn shows that LLLT has insignificant effect on hypertrophic scars post burn. The main limitations are the heterogeneity between included studies in meta-analysis and small number of the studies involved.