Research & Revalidation
Research focus
Professor Azzopardi’s published work spans several key areas:
Skin cancer and oncological reconstruction Work exploring skin cancer treatment, basal cell carcinoma, surgical reconstruction, dermoscopy, laser-assisted treatment pathways and long-term outcomes.
Burns and complex wound healing Research into burn injury, infection, wound healing, reconstruction and objective assessment of tissue recovery.
Laser surgery and energy-based medicine Research into fractional CO₂ laser, diode laser, laser-assisted scar treatment, resurfacing, skin recovery and minimally invasive laser techniques.
Surgical innovation and diagnostics Development of novel approaches to infection detection, operative decision-making, imaging, laser-guided treatment and translational surgical technology
Latest on scarring. We are proud to announce that Professor Azzopardi and team's experience on scars has been recognized by the scientific community. Based on over 2550 scars treated, the Azzopardi ® classification of scars embeds a simple language through which doctors can speak to eachother, and, you can communicate clearly to your Doctor, what you wish to seek treatment about.
Not only does this focus your doctor's mind to what really matters to you, but it also makes you aware of what aspects of the scar can be changed, the order through which they should be approached.
Latest key publications
Evidence-led laser practice
Professor Azzopardi’s research has helped shape a practice focused on precision rather than volume. At SkinSurgeon®, laser treatments are not delivered as standard cosmetic protocols. They are selected according to diagnosis, anatomy, skin type, scar behaviour and measurable clinical need.This academic foundation is particularly important in areas such as:
Laser scar treatment; Acne scar reconstruction; Keloid and hypertrophic scar management ;Post-surgical scar refinement
Skin cancer reconstruction; Pigmentation and vascular laser treatment Laser-assisted facial and body contouring
Publications and academic contribution
Ernest has published in peer-reviewed medical journals and contributed to academic work across plastic surgery, burns, scars, wound healing and laser medicine.His research output includes clinical studies, translational
research, book chapters, invited lectures, patents and international presentations.
This body of work supports his role as a published plastic surgeon and laser specialist in Malta and London,with a practice built around surgical expertise, laser science and evidence-based patient care.
Translating research into patient care
The purpose of research is not simply publication. It is to improve treatment selection, safety, recovery and outcomes.
At SkinSurgeon®, research informs how patients are assessed, how treatments are planned, and how results are reviewed. This is particularly relevant for complex scars, facial reconstruction, skin cancer surgery and advanced laser procedures where standard cosmetic approaches may not be appropriate.
Academic leadership
Professor Azzopardi has presented internationally on laser surgery, scar reconstruction, aesthetic plastic surgery and skin cancer treatment. His academic work continues through clinical research, university collaboration and the development of new laser and surgical techniques. SkinSurgeon® remains committed to consultant-led care, evidence-based innovation and the responsible translation of research into clinical practice.
Intellectual property
Azzopardi, E.A. and Teixeira, R.S.R Procédé de détection d'une infection bactérienne dans un échantillon biologique. Trubac Ltd. WO EP WO2017182765A1, Priority 2016-04-15. S20190119720A1. 2022. Validated GB FR DE MT USA
Original Research Papers
2024. Unveiling the language of scars: A patient-centric themed framework for comprehensive scar morphology. Burns. 50:1269-1276 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2024.02.006
Wilde C, Kaushik M, Neumann I, Verma P, Azzopardi EA, Ezra DG. Safety and efficacy of subcutaneous diode laser as a novel treatment in the management of festoons. Lasers in Medical Science. 2023 Jul 31;38(1):170.
Azzopardi, E. A., Azzopardi, S. R., Clementoni, M. T., Boyce, D. E., Sadideen, H., & Mosahebi, A. (2023). Endolesional ablation of xanthelasma using microfiber optic laser delivery. Laser Therapy, 30(1).
Azzopardi EA, Sadideen, H., Boyce DE., Tretti Clementoni, M., “Management interventions for amputation stump neuromas” Laser Therapy Journal In Press 2023
Download the entire list of publications here
Books & Book Chapters
Azzopardi EA (Ed.). UK Certification in Laser and High Energy Devices. Thieme Publishers International (BAAPS Ed.) (in progress).
Tretti Clementoni, M. Azzopardi EA. Minimal-invasive technologies for treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids: Fractional Lasers. Textbook on Scar Management. Guidelines, State of the Art
Management and Emerging Technologies. Theot L. Ed. (Springer Nature)
Tretti Clementoni, M.* Azzopardi EA Specific attention areas in Scar management: Management of atrophic scars. Theot L. Ed. (Springer Nature)
Soft tissue infection in burn patients. Oxford Handbook of Burns Authors: Azzopardi EA, Barbara
C.) In press. Dickson WA., et al. (Ed.) Oxford University Publishers
Azzopardi E., McGoldrick, Theodorakopoulou J., and Murison M., Multimodality Treatment of Scars. Shokrollahi K. (Ed). Elsevier Inc. 2018
Azzopardi E. McWilliams B. Boyce DE. 2011. Gram-negative burn wound infection - An
Evidence Based Perspective Berlin, Ge: Lambert Academic Publishers. ISBN 978-3-8383 -9025-
3
Azzopardi E, Boyce DE, Peripheral Nerve Tumours of the Upper Limb. In. E-LPRAS. http://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/plastic-reconstructive-and-aesthetic-surgery/