AF dermatologist uses laser to treat wounded warrior scars Published May 29, 2009 By Staff Sergeant Robert Barnett 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Maj. (Dr.) Chad Hivnor, Wilford Hall Medical Center Pediatric Dermatology chief, is using a new fractional laser to treat battle scars on servicemembers injured in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. "The laser softens the texture of the scars," Dr. Hivnor said. "We are following the results achieved and functional improvements." Initially, Dr. Hivnor used this state-of-the-art fractional laser technology to treat small scars on children. This gave him familiarity and experience with the laser for larger scars often seen on wounded warriors. "It works by focally destroying a specific area of scar tissue, allowing the normal skin around the laser-treated area to heal," Dr. Hivnor said. "It can take up to six months to see the improvement. The softness of the scar is the most dramatic change." Wilford Hall, one of the few military hospitals in the country with this technology, has had the laser on loan from the manufacturer since late February and has treated a number of wounded warriors since then. The hospital now has a permanent fractional laser. At this point, Dr. Hivnor is only treating wounded warriors. "I hope they are able to come here for treatment," he said. "It's an honor for me to be able to help our wounded warriors."