Background: Post-burn neck contractures are among the most challenging complications in burn rehabilitation, often leading to functional limitations, aesthetic deformities, and significant psychological impact. Traditional surgical approaches have varying degrees of success, with a high risk of recurrence. This study explores the efficacy of staged treatment with ablative fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser therapy follow by selective resurfacing with MatriDerm®, a dermal regeneration matrix, as a novel approach to managing post-burn neck contractures.
Methods: A case series involving patients with moderate to severe post-burn anterior neck contractures was conducted. Each patient underwent fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing to release fibrotic tissue and improve skin pliability, followed by surgical application of MatriDerm® in residual hypertrophic scar or contracture bands to support dermal regeneration and graft integration. Outcomes were evaluated over a 3-month period using standardized scar assessment tools (POSAS) and range of motion (ROM) measurements.
Results: All patients demonstrated significant improvement in neck extension. Scar texture, pigmentation, and pliability showed marked improvement on objective scoring systems. The integration of MatriDerm® facilitated more robust and durable skin regeneration, with no major complications or graft failures reported.
Conclusion: The combined use of fractional CO₂ laser and MatriDerm® appears to be a safe and effective treatment modality for post-burn neck contractures. This dual approach offers synergistic benefits, enhancing both scar remodelling and dermal regeneration, and may represent a promising advancement in burn reconstruction and rehabilitation strategies.