Laser Treatments
Laser Scar Removal in Maryland
Professional scar removal in Severna Park, MD
Profile MD Offers Expert Laser Scar Revision
Laser scar treatment is also known as laser skin resurfacing or laser scar revision. This treatment uses focused beams of laser light to reduce the appearance of the scar and to fade excess color.
The Profractional Laser is most commonly used to break down the appearance of hypertrophic and indented scars. It puts microscopic channels into the skin which then leads to healing and formation of collagen. The PulseDye Laser takes it a step further by removing color from the scar. Keloid scars on the ear often get removed by the UltraPulse Laser (CO2), in combination with the use of a compression earring after removal. These lasers improve the appearance of the scar, and in many cases completely remove it.
Typically, scars require multiple treatments to get a good result. Our doctors will advise you about what would work best based on your particular needs.
What Causes Scars to Form?
A scar results from the body’s process of healing injured skin. They can be caused by infections, surgery, injuries, or even inflammation.
All wounds heal with some sort of scar, but their appearance varies according to skin type, the type of injury, where it is located on the body, and the physical condition of the person. A scar can be flat, lumpy, indented, or discolored. How to treat scars requires a careful history and assessment of the scar. Scars can have a serious impact on one’s emotional well-being, causing many to seek treatment.
What Types of Scars Do You Treat?
- Keloid scars
- Atrophic scars (indented scars)
- Hypertrophic scars (thick, raised scars)
- Acne scars
- Red/pink scars
- Stretch marks
- Hyperpigmented scars (discoloration often seen in dark skin tones)
Laser Scar Removal Before & After Photos
What Kind of Lasers are Used for Scar Removal?
- PulseDye Laser
- Profractional Laser
- UltraPulse Laser (CO2)
- PIQO4
How to Prepare for Your Scar Revision Treatment
Make sure the area to be treated is clean. If the scar is on your face, please avoid applying makeup before treatment. The doctor may prescribe lidocaine cream to be applied one hour before treatment. Other than that, no special instructions are needed.
What is the Scar Removal Process?
Before treatment, your clinician will carefully evaluate the history of your scar to design an effective treatment plan. That plan will vary according to the nature of your scar.
The following steps will occur when you come for treatment:
- The doctor will cleanse the treatment area with alcohol and numb the scar with lidocaine.
- The doctor will treat the scar with the predetermined laser(s).
- A medical assistant will apply antibiotic ointment to the skin and cover the scar with a bandage.
- The doctor advises to keep the treated area bandaged for three to four days.
- The staff will book you for a follow-up appointment.
What Is Recovery Like?
You might experience mild stinging and swelling for the first day. This should subside in a day or two. Over-the-counter pain medications like Ibuprofen may help with the irritation. Most people experience a fast and uncomplicated recovery.
Potential Complications of Scar Removal
Depending on the type of laser used, you could encounter the following:
- Blistering & crusting
- Erythema (temporary redness)
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Infection
- Cold sores if treatment is around the mouth. Please tell your doctor if you have a history of cold sores.
When Will I See Improvements?
Scars treated with the PulseDye Laser may show improvements soon after treatment. The PulseDye Laser removes color and helps to flatten scars. Keloid scars and hypertrophic scars require more time and treatment for the best results. Red and purple stretch marks usually improve greatly within one to three PulseDye Laser treatments.
It should be noted that scars typically improve with multiple treatments.
Is Laser Scar Revision Permanent?
Successfully treated scars maintain their results over time. However, keloid scars can be more difficult to repair and to stop from growing. Additional measures with injected steroids help to control the regrowth of unhealthy tissue.
Why Choose Profile MD for Scar Treatment?
Our doctors have many years of experience using lasers to reduce and repair the appearance of scars. With over 20 laser and light sources, you get a more customized approach to your care. Several lasers are often used to resurface a scar. You get the benefit of decades of experience combined with up-to-date laser technology. Plus, we offer a free consultation to answer your questions.
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
FREE CONSULTATION
With years of medical experience our doctors, Dr. Jared Mallalieu and Dr. Ross VanAntwerp, specialize in bringing out the best in people through our unique laser and cosmetic procedures. Get in touch with us for your free, no-obligation consultation.
