Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser and Burn Scar Contractures: Evaluation of Post-Treatment Scar Function and Appearance

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy males and females between 5 and 70 years of age with hypertrophic and/or contracted burn scars with or without involvement of mobile joints. The burn scars must have occurred at least 1 year prior to the date of enrollment. * Having suitable areas of treatment: All wounds in the area of interest must be closed for at least two months, and the scars must be deemed stable for a period of 3 months before initiation of treatment. * Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI * Able and willing to comply with all visit, treatment and evaluation schedules and requirements * Able to understand provide written informed consent * Women of child-bearing age are required to be using a reliable method of birth control at least three months prior to study enrollment and throughout the course of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant, intending to become pregnant during the course of the study, less than three months postpartum or less than six weeks after completion of breastfeeding. * Active tanning, including the use of tanning booths, during the course of the study * Showing symptoms of hormonal disorders (i.e.: uncontrolled thyroid disease or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), as per the Investigator's discretion * Abnormal photosensitivity due to metabolic disorder or due to use of external agents, (drugs, herbs, etc.) within 2 weeks of initial treatment or during the course of the study, except for use of aminolevulinic acid(Levulan®) which requires a washout period of three months * Prior use of retinoids in treated areas within three months of initial treatment or during the course of the study * Use of oral isotretinoin (Accutane®) within nine months of initial treatment or during the course of the study. Note: skin must retain its normal degree of moisture prior to treatment * Prior skin treatment with laser or other devices in the treated area within three months of initial treatment or during the course of the study * Adverse reactions to compounds of any external agent (e.g., gels, lotions or anesthetic creams) required for use in the study, if no alternative to the said agent exists * History of collagen vascular disease * Concurrent inflammatory skin conditions, including, but not limited to, rosacea of any severity * Active Herpes Simplex at the time of treatment or having experienced more than three episodes of Herpes Simplex eruption within a year of study enrollment * Multiple dysplastic nevi in area to be treated * Having a bleeding disorder or taking anticoagulation medications, including heavy use of aspirin, in a manner which does not allow for a minimum 10 day washout period prior to each treatment (as per the patient's physician discretion) * History of immunosuppression/immune deficiency disorders (including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or use of immunosuppressive medications * Having any form of active cancer at the time of enrollment and during the course of the study * Significant concurrent illness, such as uncontrolled diabetes, (i.e., any disease state that in the opinion of the Investigator would interfere with the anesthesia, treatment, or healing process) * Mentally incompetent, prisoner or evidence of active substance or alcohol abuse * Any condition which, in the Investigator's opinion, would make it unsafe (for the subject or study personnel) to treat the subject as part of this research study * If it is determined that the contracture is due to a deeper process involving the muscles, ligaments or bones.