INTEGRATED SCAR MANAGEMENT: CURRENT EVIDENCE ON CONSERVATIVE, REGENERATIVE, AND LASER-BASED THERAPIES - A NARRATIVE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.6306Keywords:
Scar Management; Pathological Scars; Wound Healing; Regenerative Medicine; Laser Therapy; Multimodal TherapyAbstract
Pathological scarring remains a major challenge in reconstructive, plastic, and aesthetic medicine owing to the complex biology of wound healing, marked heterogeneity of scar phenotypes, and the lack of universally effective treatment strategies. Advances in regenerative medicine and laser technologies have expanded therapeutic options while increasing the need for individualized, evidence-based treatment.
This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on conservative, regenerative, and laser-based therapies for scar management, emphasizing their biological rationale, clinical effectiveness, limitations, and role within contemporary multimodal treatment strategies. The literature was identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with priority given to systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, international guidelines, and other high-quality evidence.
Current evidence indicates that successful scar management depends on matching treatment to scar phenotype and biological activity rather than relying on a single therapeutic modality. Conservative therapies remain the foundation of treatment, whereas regenerative approaches and laser technologies enhance outcomes, particularly when integrated into multimodal protocols. Despite substantial therapeutic progress, heterogeneity of available evidence continues to limit direct comparison and standardization of treatment strategies.
Overall, contemporary scar management is evolving toward personalized, mechanism-based approaches that integrate complementary therapies to optimize functional and aesthetic outcomes.
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