Laser Scar Removal

Laser scar removal a very effective method used scar removal. This is another popular use of laser technology.

During a laser scar removal, a surgical laser is pointed at the scar and moved along it. As it goes, the laser will destroy and remove the upper layer of skin. Like dermabrasion, this reveals the healthier, more normal skin below. Over time, this skin will heal and normalize, and in the end, the patient's skin ends up smoother and more attractive.

There are a wide variety of laser-based scar treatments which are currently being performed, and they're all good at different things. Red scars can be treated using a pulsed-dye laser (or PDL). This type of laser targets vascular structures such as blood vessels. The destruction of the scar's blood supply can help lessen the reddish appearance. Some studies have also suggested that this type of laser can also help to minimize keloids and other hypertrophic scars. Examples of pulsed-dye lasers include the Candela and Cynosure lasers. It is also claimed that these lasers can help stimulate new, healthy collagen growth. Laser scar removal treatment reduces the appearance of scars by 50% to 80% and helps prevent recurrence.

Today's laser scar removal techniques can reduce the appearance of several types of scars, including:

Keloid Scars: these are firm, raised and reddish-purple scars that extend beyond the initial wound area and build over time.
Hypertrophic Scars: these are firm, raised and pink scars that remain within the initial wound area and may fade over time.
Atrophic Scars: these are depressed pin-like pockets in the skin that can result from skin conditions or diseases such as acne.

Not everyone is a candidate for laser scar removal. People with skin disorders such as psoriasis, cystic acne and dermatitis may not be ideal candidates. Those using certain medications such as isotretinoin for acne must stop using the medication for six months prior to the procedure.

Scar Removal Lasers

CO2 and Er:YAG lasers are common, and they are manufactured by a wide variety of companies. CO2 lasers tend to be more powerful, for better or worse, than Er:YAG lasers. Increased power means a greater ability to affect the scar, but it also means a longer recovery time and more damage to the skin. These sorts of lasers are frequently used in acne scar removal.

Fractionated CO2 and Er:YAG lasers are also available. These lasers are called fractionated because they only affect a fraction of the skin. This means that less damage is done and the wounds are able to heal more quickly, which ought to translate to a shorter recovery time for the patient. Fractionated lasers of this sort include the Pixel and Fraxel lasers.

Not all types of laser scar removal have been shown to work well for African-Americans. The genetic makeup of this race makes it such that many lasers cause more harm than good.

However, recent reports show that the Thermage laser may be able to help treat scars in African-Americans.

After laser scar removal, it is common to experience some amount of discomfort. As with many other forms of scar revision, you should protect the affected skin, and you should keep it out of the sun. Too much sun exposure early on could increase your chances of developing unusual pigmentation patterns at the surgical site.

The laser scar removal procedure is often performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient center, surgeon's office or hospital. Sometimes, general anesthesia is used. The laser scar removal procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour and a half depending on the extent and deepness of the scar.

Laser Scar Removal Procedure

During laser scar removal, the laser is moved along the scar. The goal of this process is to vaporize or remove a layer of skin where the scar is located revealing more natural-looking skin layer, which heals over time to minimize the appearance of the scar. Other lasers may target lower layers of the skin, stimulating new collagen growth which prompts the skin to heal and therefore, corrects the scars from the inside out.

After Laser Scar Removal

After the laser scar removal procedure, patients are often asked to wash the treated area gently with a mild soap, pat it dry and apply an antibiotic ointment and a nonstick bandage. Your laser scar removal doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic in order to prevent infection from appearing. Your doctor may also prescribe medicated creams to help speed up the healing process and help the scar fade away.

Cold compresses may also be recommended after a laser scar removal procedure as well as the use of special creams. Your doctor may also prescribe mild medications to treat any pain and discomfort after the procedure.

After laser scar removal patients should abstain from being in the sun. The skin's healing process usually takes at least a few weeks depending on the size of the area treated and extent of the procedure. Usually patients are able to return to their normal activities right after the treatment. Patients must follow their doctor's instructions in order to achieve optimal results.

A follow up appointment with your doctor is usually scheduled six to eight weeks after laser scar removal treatment in order to check the healing process.

Risks of Laser Scar Removal

The most common side effect of laser scar removal is hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Both of these conditions can be exacerbated by sun exposure. Infection or allergic reactions may also be possible after laser scar removal, but can be prevented or treated with medicated ointments, creams and antibiotics.

Laser Scar Removal Cost

The cost of laser scar removal is determined by many factors such as the type of laser used, the extent of the procedure, and the experience of the physician performing the procedure. Other factors that intervene in determining the cost are your geographical area, anesthesia fees and facility fees. If your laser scar removal procedure is performed during other procedures such as a chemical peel, then anesthesia and facility fees can be combined.

In some cases several laser scar removal treatment sessions may be needed in order to achieve optimal results.

Laser scar removal is not usually covered by insurance. Most doctors offer financing options in order to make this procedure affordable to all.

Every case is different; therefor the only way to know the cost of laser scar removal for your particular case is to schedule a consultation with a specialist.