Efficacy of Combined 595-nm Pulsed Dye Laser and Intralesional Corticosteroids Versus Intralesional Corticosteroids Alone for Treating Postmastectomy Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids in Transgender Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Top surgery masculinizes the chest appearance for transgender men (TM); however, some individuals may experience hypertrophic scars (HTS) or keloids following the surgery. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined 595-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection (IL TAC) compared to IL TAC monotherapy for treating HTS and keloids. Methods: Twenty-five TM with 35 pairs of bilateral symmetric postmastectomy HTS or keloids were randomly allocated to receive the combined PDL and IL TAC on the scar(s) on one side of the chest and IL TAC monotherapy on the contralateral scar(s) in four monthly treatment sessions. Clinical improvement was evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Melanin index, hemoglobin index, and scar roughness were determined before each treatment session and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment. Participant-rated satisfaction and adverse events were documented. Results: After two treatment sessions, scars treated with combined PDL and IL TAC demonstrated significantly greater improvements in the VSS (p = 0.012) and melanin index (p = 0.004) compared to those treated with IL TAC alone. The superior outcomes of the combined therapy persisted for 3 and 6 months after the end of treatment sessions for the VSS (p = 0.001) and melanin index (p = 0.048), respectively. Participants reported higher satisfaction for combined PDL and IL TAC than IL TAC monotherapy (p = 0.005). No serious or permanent adverse event was reported. Conclusion: The addition of 595-nm PDL to IL TAC may provide more favorable outcomes for treating postmastectomy HTS and keloids among TM.