Cenk H, et al. - As no treatment algorithm has been described for deliberate self-harm (DSH) scars, nor is there any gold standard for the treatment of hypertrophic scars, researchers sought to describe their experience with Er: YAG laser for treating self-inflicted razor blade incision scars.

• Between 2017 and 2020, a total of 18 patients with DSH scars were treated with fractional ablative Er: YAG laser (MCL 31 Asclepion laser Technologies), with the parameters of 40 J/cm², 300 µs, and 4 Hz.

• Repetition of the sessions was done by raising 10 joules in every session with 4-week intervals until reaching a maximum of 80 joules.

• A moderate improvement was recorded after the third session in 90.9% of the patients.

• Based on outcomes, researchers suggest that hypertrophic scars induced by razor blades can be safely and effectively treated using the Er: YAG laser.

• In addition, combined treatments with other treatment modalities may yield better outcomes in DSH scars.