Evaluating the Effect of Low Power Diode Laser 806 nm on the Healing of Unilateral Cleft Lip Scar: An Open-Label Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of laser bio-modulation irradiation therapy on the scar after surgical correction of unilateral cleft lip. DESIGN: a comparative, open-label study. SETTING: we conducted the study in a university based tertiary hospital that recruited early wound healers of unilateral cleft lip correction. PATIENTS: Eighty patients were divided into two groups: In study's group, patients undergo laser bio-modulation irradiation (n = 60); in the control group, patients were followed-up without intervention (n = 20). INTERVENTION: In the study's group, patients underwent low-power diode Laser with wavelength of 806 nm and power of 100 mw. MAIN OUTCOME: The change in the scar of cleft lip patients, which was assessed by clinical examination and ultrasound. RESULTS: The median pigmentation score was significantly lower in the laser group (median = 1; IQR = 1-2) than the control group (median 2; IQR 1-3), with p-value of <0.001. Likewise, the median height score was significantly lower in the laser group (median = 1; IQR = 1-1) than the control group (median 1.5; IQR 1.5-2), with p-value of 0.001. The median pliability score was significantly lower in the laser group (median = 1; IQR = 1-1) than the control group (median 2.5; IQR 1-3), with p-value of <0.001. Finally, the median vascularity score was significantly lower in the laser group (median = 1; IQR = 1-1) than the control group (median 1.5; IQR 1-2), with p-value of <0.001. CONCLUSION: laser bio-modulation irradiation therapy demonstrates a potential efficacy in managing the hypertrophic scars after surgical repair of unilateral cleft lip.