Laser scar removal is a rescue for scarred skin. This treatment allows you to completely remove scars or reduce them so that they become much less visible. However, it is worth knowing that not every scar can be removed in this way, and not everyone can undergo this treatment. What is the laser scar removal treatment? What scars can be removed in this way, how is the procedure performed, what effects can be expected and how to care for the skin afterwards?

Laser scar removalis one of the most effective methods of scar elimination. This method is highly appreciated by both the doctors who perform the procedure and the people who undergo it.

Although this method is relatively expensive, it also carries a certain risk of complications, but it gives incomparably better results than most of the much milder methods of scar removal that are used in offices, it is also much more effective than home methods for scars.

It is worth knowing, however, thatlaser scar removalis not a procedure that anyone can use. There are important contraindications to this procedure. Afterlaser scar removal , complications are also possible and therefore the decision should be carefully considered. What is laser scar removal, how to prepare for it and how to care for the skin after the treatment?

Laser scar removal - indications for the treatment

The treatmentlaser scar removalis recommended for people whose comfort of life and self-esteem related to scars have significantly decreased.

Laser scar removal can be used to remove, among others :

  • acne scars
  • mature scars
  • surgery scars
  • smallpox scars
  • cesarean section scars
  • hypertrophic scars
  • fresh red scars
  • stretch marks.

Laser scar removal - methods

In laser scar correction, various lasers are used - including ablative and non-ablative fractional lasers, which are used in the vast majority of cases. In the group of these devices there are, among others CO2 ablation laser, erbium laser, thulus laser orpicosecond fractional laser.

Lasers of this type evenly affect the scar, which allows you to even out its surface and color so that the scar becomes much less visible. To lighten discolored scars, a doctor may use a q-switch laser, while red and pink scars are usually treated with a vascular laser. The doctor who performs the procedure decides about the choice of the device.

Laser scar removal - preparation

Treatmentlaser scar removalrequires some preparation, which the doctor tells the patient about during the appointment qualifying for the procedure. A few weeks before the procedure of lassertive scar removal , you must give up sunbathing and skin exfoliating treatments such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion, and in some cases also home peelings and cosmetics with acids.

You should also not use certain medications, cosmetics, medications and dietary supplements that may have photosensitizing effects (i.e. containing herbs such as St. John's wort or horsetail).

How is the laser scar removal treatment performed?

Laser scar removalis not a long procedure. The entire procedure takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of scar and its extent. During this time, the doctor directs the laser beam to precisely selected places on and around the scar.

Light reaching deep into the subcutaneous tissue and the dermis causes microdamages. As a result of the photo-thermal reaction, water in the tissues evaporates, which initiates a whole series of tissue reconstruction processes.

One of them is the stimulation of the production of collagen, the supporting protein of the skin, which makes it smooth and supple. The doctor uses the laser light in such a way that there is sufficiently large undamaged tissue between the microdamages, thanks to which the skin heals more easily, this process also allows to initiate the reconstruction of collagen in such a way that a new tissue with the correct structure and the appropriate, uniform shade is formed in the place of the scar. .

Laser scar removal - results of the treatment

Laser scar removalusually gives very good results. Large scars removed with this method become clearly brighter, less visible, small scars in many cases disappear completely.

It is worth remembering, however, that in most cases it takes at least a few visits to visibly lighten or shallow the scar.

Laser scar removal - post-treatment skin care

Convalescence after laser scar removal surgery may take up to a month (this is roughly the amount of time it takes to recover afterremoving acne scars). However, a lot depends on how big the scar was and where it was, as well as what laser was used to make it shallow.

If some lasers are used, it is possible to return to normal activity on the same day or on the next day. However, after the vast majority of treatments, the skin healing process takes about two weeks. During this time, it is not allowed to use the swimming pools or sauna, rub the skin, apply makeup (in the case of removing scars on the face), use certain cosmetics.

The skin can be swollen, irritated and very sensitive, so doctors recommend that you spend the next few days at home immediately after the treatment. For the period prescribed by your doctor, you should also use soothing preparations, accelerating healing and protecting against the sun. You are not allowed to sunbathe for the next six months.

Complications after laser scar removal

Laser scar removalLike any laser treatment, there is a possible risk of complications. One of them is the possibility of discoloration - that's why this treatment is best performed in autumn and winter, when the sun is not so bright.

Incorrectly performed treatment may also lead to serious skin burns and related problems. After contact with the laser, permanent pigmentation disorders may also occur, as well as the formation of hypertrophic scars.

Laser scar removal - how much does it cost

How much does laser scar removal cost? It is not a cheap procedure, but the cost depends both on the type and size of the scar and the type of equipment used for the procedure.

Laser acne scar removal on the face costs an average of PLN 1,200 per treatment, caesarean section scar removal approx. PLN 300 (also for one treatment), the price of stretch marks removal is similar. The total price depends on the number of treatments required.

Laser scar removal - contraindications

Laser scar removal is not a procedure for everyone - as in the case of other laser treatments, there are a number of contraindications.

Contraindications for laser scar removal are:

  • pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • use of photosensitizing drugs and herbs
  • tan
  • using the solarium during the last month
  • vitiligo
  • psoriasis
  • active cancer
  • inflammatory skin disease
  • herpes
  • isotretinoin use in the last 6 months
  • use of tretinoin in the last 2 weeks
  • connective tissue diseases
  • uncontrolled diabetes
  • epilepsy
  • Keloid tendency
  • atopic dermatitis.

Category:

Dermatology