Ablative fractional laser resurfacing for abdominal scar contractures in pregnancy.

Abstract

Fundal growth during pregnancy can lead to unremitting discomfort and skin breakdown in patients with extensive abdominal scarring. A 31-year-old primigravid woman at 30 weeks of gestation presented to the department of dermatology with constant abdominal discomfort, itch, and sleep disturbance secondary to increasing tension associated with existing abdominal scars. An outpatient course of ablative fractional laser resurfacing was initiated in consultation with the dermatology department, resulting in immediate and durable symptom relief and visible abdominal expansion. No complications were observed, and the patient delivered a healthy newborn at term. Ablative fractional laser resurfacing is a minimally invasive therapeutic alternative for treating pregnant patients with symptoms related to restrictive scarring of the abdomen.