The Erbium:YAG Laser in the Treatment of Hyperesthesia: An Experience of 2 Patients

The erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser is particularly useful for highly precise ablative skin work, with negligible thermal damage and complications. Two female patients suffered from nerve damage to the neck and shoulder area after undergoing cancer surgery, which left them with severe hyperesthesia and extreme pain. Both patients received Er:YAG treatment for the reduction of postsurgical scars, reporting 60% to 100% improvement in their symptoms. We report a potential novel use of the Er:YAG laser in the treatment of hyperesthesia, and we suggest that this technique be evaluated in the treatment of similar hypersensitive neurologic manifestations.