Shriners Children’s Announces Groundbreaking Multi-Center Study to Revolutionize Burn Care Using Fractional CO2 Laser Technology
In a bold move poised to redefine pediatric burn treatment, Shriners Children’s has launched a comprehensive, multi-center study aimed at transforming clinical standards and insurance coverage policies nationwide. This pioneering initiative focuses on the therapeutic application of fractional CO2 laser technology — a treatment long stigmatized as purely cosmetic despite its demonstrated efficacy in enhancing skin regeneration and functional recovery for burn patients. Spearheaded by Dr. Sara M. Higginson, Chief of Staff at Shriners Children’s Ohio, this collaborative research effort unites burn care specialists from leading Shriners facilities in Dayton, Ohio, and Sacramento, California, to provide rigorous clinical evidence supporting the medical necessity of fractional CO2 laser interventions in pediatric populations.
Laser-assisted scar remodeling through fractional CO2 technology harnesses the power of controlled, micro-ablative photothermal injury to stimulate collagen remodeling and activate intrinsic wound healing pathways. Over the past two decades, this therapeutic modality has been recognized for its ability to dramatically improve scar elasticity, pliability, and tissue flexibility; however, substantial barriers remain due to lack of insurance coverage. Standard policies often label this intervention as cosmetic, leading to significant financial burden for families and restricted accessibility. A single treatment session, approximately $6,000 in cost, often necessitates multiple follow-ups, underscoring the urgency of systemic policy reform based on empirical outcomes.
The ambitious two-year study launched by Shriners Children’s represents the first system-wide initiative to objectively quantify the clinical benefits of fractional CO2 laser treatment in pediatric burn patients. State-of-the-art three-dimensional scar mapping and advanced biomechanical measurement techniques will be employed to document incremental improvements in scar characteristics including tensile strength, elasticity, and surface texture. Beyond morphological data, patient-centered metrics such as pain reduction, itch mitigation, and enhanced range of motion will be systematically evaluated to capture the treatment’s holistic impact on patient quality of life and functional rehabilitation.
Dr. Higginson emphasizes that the clinical benefits transcend superficial aesthetics, expressing that the procedure’s ability to alleviate symptoms such as severe itchiness can profoundly enhance pediatric patients’ wellbeing. “Children who once endured relentless discomfort and disrupted sleep due to scar-related itching can, following fractional CO2 laser therapy, experience restful nights and reduced pain,” she explains. These improvements also translate into restored mobility, enabling children to regain independence in everyday activities—a critical milestone in pediatric recovery and psychosocial development.
Among the compelling patient stories is that of Macey, a 4-year-old girl treated at Shriners Children’s Ohio, who experienced restored hand function following laser therapy applied to burn-induced contractures sustained at age one. Her mother, Cheyenne, reports significant improvements in Macey’s ability to perform fine motor tasks such as grasping crayons — essential for developmental progress at school age. “The laser treatment was never an option offered at the initial burn facility we visited,” Cheyenne reveals, “but here, it has opened doors for Macey to achieve milestones we feared might be lost forever.”
At present, Dr. Higginson administers fractional CO2 laser treatments to four to five pediatric patients daily within the Shriners Children’s system, facilitated by their commitment to providing care independent of insurance status or financial means. Although this model circumvents immediate insurance barriers, Dr. Higginson remains determined to influence broader policy changes. Her goal is to ensure equitable access to this clinically proven treatment for all children, regardless of geographic location or insurer, by advocating for updated insurance guidelines that recognize fractional CO2 laser therapy as medically necessary rather than elective cosmetic care.
Before her tenure at Shriners Children’s, Dr. Higginson recounts dedicating hours each day negotiating with insurance companies for treatment authorization, only to face frequent denials. These administrative struggles not only delayed critical interventions but also imposed undue stress on families already grappling with the emotional toll of severe burns. Now equipped with the infrastructure and collaborative network to gather substantial clinical data, she envisions a paradigm shift where insurance policies align with contemporary clinical evidence and patient-centered outcomes.
The study’s integration of cutting-edge 3D imaging and biomechanical assessment represents a significant advancement in burn research methodology. By precisely quantifying scar tissue transformation at both micro- and macroscopic levels, researchers aim to establish reproducible markers of treatment success. This objective evidence will be pivotal in overcoming entrenched biases against fractional CO2 laser therapy within the insurance domain, providing an irrefutable foundation for reform in clinical practice guidelines and reimbursement protocols.
In parallel with rigorous clinical data collection, Shriners Children’s emphasizes the role of multidisciplinary care, encompassing physical therapy, psychological support, and family-centered approaches integral to pediatric burn rehabilitation. Fractional CO2 laser therapy complements these modalities by addressing the pathophysiological scar environment directly, mitigating contracture formation and facilitating improved vascularity—a critical factor in tissue health and functional recovery.
With multiple Shriners Children’s burn centers accredited by the American Burn Association, including facilities in Boston, Northern California, Ohio, and Texas, the collaborative research consortium is uniquely positioned to capture diverse patient populations and deliver statistically robust findings. This consortium model facilitates knowledge exchange, standardization of treatment protocols, and accelerated translation of research findings into clinical practice.
Shriners Children’s mission—delivering specialty pediatric care irrespective of a family’s ability to pay—imbues the study with a broader social imperative. The anticipated insurance policy changes prompted by this research could democratize access to advanced burn treatments across socioeconomic strata, mitigating disparities that currently hinder optimal recovery in underserved populations. Such systemic change aligns with overarching goals in healthcare equity and evidence-based policy reform.
As fractional CO2 laser therapy gains validation through this landmark research, it stands to redefine burn care from reactionary measures to proactive, regenerative interventions. The potential to reduce lifelong disability, improve aesthetic outcomes, and elevate psychosocial wellbeing marks a significant leap forward in pediatric burn medicine. At its core, this transformative study underscores the power of data-driven advocacy in advancing both clinical science and public health policy.
For more information about Shriners Children’s burn care services and the ongoing research study, visit www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/pediatric-care/burn-care. This initiative not only exemplifies cutting-edge medical innovation but also the unparalleled commitment to improving the lives of children affected by burns across the globe.
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Shriners Children’s Multi-Center Study Seeks to Revolutionize Pediatric Burn Care with Fractional CO2 Laser Technology
News Publication Date: February 12, 2026
Web References: www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/pediatric-care/burn-care
Image Credits: Please credit Shriners Children’s for any use of the associated photo.
Keywords: Clinical medicine, burn care, fractional CO2 laser, pediatric rehabilitation, scar remodeling, skin regeneration, insurance coverage
