How Laser Scar Revision Targets Scars of Different Structures and Maturity
Patients present to their doctor’s office for treatment of scars on a regular basis. Scars vary in appearance and structure. For example, some scars are inflamed and thick, while other scars appear white and mature. Skin that appears dark red or pink does not usually represent true scarring. Hyperpigmentation caused by injury or inflammation improves with time, and it can be improved with laser treatment but it does not represent true scarring. However, scars can have color if inflamed.
One thing is for sure, once a scar forms it leaves an unwanted mark on your skin. Fortunately, lasers offer a wide range of solutions to reduce the appearance of scars. The most common lasers used to treat scars at Profile MD are the Profractional Laser and the Pulsed Dye Laser. These two lasers work together to flatten a scar and to reduce its color.
What Causes a Scar to Form?
Scars usually form due to injury to the skin. Some injuries are more severe than others leading to bigger and deeper scars. The body sends all of its healing resources to the damaged area in order to quickly repair the skin. This is why scars do not have the same smooth and even texture as normal skin.
Scars Can Impact You in the Following Ways:
- Hindered joint movement from tight, thick scars
- Pain even after the wound has closed
- Itchiness
- Unsightly, resulting in self-consciousness
How Does Laser Scar Removal Work?
The Pulsed Dye Laser works by reducing the blood supply to the scar, toning down red inflammation. Profractional Laser treatment changes the biology of a scar by creating tiny micro-channels that cause skin to remodel and the scar to collapse and flatten. It is most often used on thick, raised scars. A keloid scar is often additionally treated with injected steroids to decrease further development of inflammatory scarring.
Other Lasers and Technology Used to Improve Scars
Non-ablative Halo Laser treatment penetrates deeply into scars to break up the scar and to stimulate growth of collagen. The Halo laser further resurfaces the skin to a more pleasing appearance. One non laser treatment for acne scars involves the use of Intracel micro-needling with radio frequency energy. Intracel stimulates skin to remodel and fill in pitted acne scars.
Sometimes, dermal fillers are used to elevate depressed scars so that the skin matches the surrounding area. The advantage of dermal fillers for sunken scars is that results are immediately visible, and these products help to build volume.
Combined Therapies Offer a Distinct Advantage
Very often, combined treatments give the best results. For instance, a keloid scar is often reduced with an ablative laser, such as the UltraPulse Carbon Dioxide laser. Residual color in the scar can then be reduced with the Pulsed Dye Laser, followed by a Profractional Laser to smooth the surface.
A sunken scar might be injected with dermal fillers, and then treated with the Pulse Dye Laser to remove discoloration.
Effectiveness of Laser Treatments in Scar Reduction
Laser treatment effectively reduces the appearance of various types of scars, including acne scars, surgical scars, and scars caused by trauma. Studies show that laser treatment improves the texture, color, and appearance of scars. These improvements lead to patient satisfaction, and improvement in the quality of their lives.
One big benefit of laser scar reduction is that laser technology targets skin with accurate precision avoiding damage to surrounding skin. Further, laser treatments stimulate collagen production and promote regeneration of skin. You may need several treatments to get the best results.
What To Expect After Laser Treatment
A topical antibiotic will be applied followed by a bandage. Profile MD encourages wearing a bandage for a few days to keep the area clean and moist. You can shower as usual but apply a light coat of Aquaphor or Vaseline and cover with a band-aid after showering. The goal is to avoid letting the treated area form a scab. Skin will heal in 7 to 10 days, but this can vary depending on the treatment.
How do I get started?
The first step is to contact a physician experienced with medical laser technology. Ask for a consultation and come ready to discuss your concerns. The doctors at Profile MD offer a free consultation to examine your skin and to answer any questions. Your consultation will include a customized plan for how to best improve your skin.
