Laser Scar Removal

Choosing the Best Scar Removal Clinic

As with any medical procedure, choosing the right physician for laser scar removal is key, don’t just trust your skin to the doctor willing to offer the lowest price; consider quality as well as cost. Laser treatments can be expensive; choosing a doctor for your procedure should not be taken lightly or based solely on the price.

The doctor you choose should be a board certified dermatologist and the staff should be fully trained nurses or technicians. Beware of spas or salons offering laser procedures performed by non-medical personnel. Avoid these for a well-trained professional with technicians or nurses who have received training specific to laser treatment. Laser beams are powerful, and should only be used in the hands of a trained professional. Choosing an experienced doctor is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your risks when undergoing the procedure.

Before making an appointment for your laser scar removal procedure, schedule a consultation visit with several doctors. At the consultation, each doctor will evaluate your skin and the specific scar you want to remove. They will then make a recommendation based on your individual situation and the laser technologies they offer. Your doctor should be knowledgeable about the various types of lasers used for scar removal. Not all lasers are the same, and they should not be treated as such. Ask your doctor about his training with that specific kind of laser and how to operate it.

Beware of any practitioner who seems eager to sign you up without explaining the procedure and its risks; laser treatments can be expensive, and some doctors are only out for your money. Reputable doctors should care more about giving you a successful procedure than taking your money. For many patients, cost will be a consideration when choosing a doctor to perform the procedure. However, do not simply go with the lowest bidder. Choose a reputable clinic and then ask about payment plan options, or discounts available for purchasing multiple treatments. This can be a way to save money without compromising on quality.

Choosing the right doctor is critical if you want your laser scar removal procedure to be successful. As with choosing any clinic, make sure their office is neat and clean, with friendly and helpful staff members. If possible, speak to previous clients about their results. Many doctors also have before-and-after images available, but be aware of the tricks a camera can play.

As with any medical procedure, laser scar removal is not without its risks. However, you can greatly reduce any risks by choosing an experienced professional to perform the procedure. Choosing a clinic for your treatment should be taken as seriously as if you were choosing a surgeon for a more serious procedure. Make sure that you feel comfortable in their office, that all assistants are fully trained, and that the doctor is fully certified in the type of laser to be used during your laser scar removal procedure.

How Does Laser Scar Removal Work?

Laser scar removal involves targeting a laser beam at the scarred area of your skin. Many patients experience dramatic results after undergoing the procedure. There are different types of lasers used for scar removal, but they work in essentially the same way. Your doctor will evaluate your skin type and your scar to determine which method will work best for you. Different types of lasers penetrate the skin to different depths, so more severe scarring will require more powerful lasers. The same types of lasers that are used for scar removal are also used for skin resurfacing, as these procedures are essentially the same.

During the procedure, you and the technician will both wear protective eyewear so the laser beam does not enter your eyes. Then the skin will be treated with an anesthetic, and you may be given pain medication. This outpatient procedure may be a little uncomfortable, but it should not be overly painful. Because the laser will be focused only on the scar, you should not experience any pain or other effects in the surrounding skin.

Throughout the entire laser scar removal procedure, the lasers beam will be concentrated on the scarred area. The technician will hold the handheld device to your skin, sending laser pulses slowly over the area. This may take up to 2 hours, or as little as 15 minutes, depending on the size and severity of your blemish. The surrounding skin should not be affected or damaged in any way thanks to the precision of the laser beam.

During laser scar removal, the laser will vaporize the topmost layers of skin. Once the top layers now gone, new fresh skin is revealed and the appearance of scars is decreased. This procedure is similar to the sanding of a tabletop, making your skin smoother and removing the roughness associated with scarring. The lasers can remove tissue on swollen scars, sculpting the area around the scar so that the blemish blends in better with the surrounding skin. How deeply the laser penetrates depends on the type of laser used, as well as the severity of your scarring. Because of the way laser scar removal works, it is most effective on shallow scars, although with several treatments it can be used on more severe scarring.

You may need multiple treatments for each scar, especially if they are large or severe. These treatments will be scheduled about a month apart. The treatments will stop once you are comfortable with the scar’s appearance; it may not be possible to fully restore your skin to its pre-scar condition. After laser scar removal, your skin will need a few days to heal. The more drastic the single treatment, the longer the recovery time associated with it. This is the main reason why multiple treatments may be required.

Are Laser Scar Treatments Right For Me?

Do you have an unsightly scar that makes you uncomfortable or self-conscious? If so, laser scar removal might be right for you. Realistically, laser scar removal is about reducing rather than totally removing scarring. If you are considering this treatment, it is important to have realistic expectations.

This elective procedure is available for anyone over the age of 18 without other medical complications. Those on Accutane for acne treatment should not undergo the procedure, as the medication can cause scarring after the laser procedure. Laser treatment is not recommended if you have skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, or cystic acne. At the least, the area to be treated must be free from skin infections. It works better on those with light skin than those with darker skin. If you do have darker skin, you are more likely to develop hyper-pigmentation after undergoing laser treatment.

Lasers can be used on most types of scars, including Atrophic, Hypertrophic, and Keloid:

• Atrophic scars, typically caused by acne and other skin conditions, result in sunken-in depressions in the skin.
• Hypertrophic scars are raised and pink, form on top of the initial wound site, and may shrink over time.
• Keloid scarring reaches beyond the initial wound site, becoming a thick reddish-purple blemish.

Newer or shallower scars respond better to treatment than older scars and those that are more severe. However, with multiple treatments the appearance of severe scars can be greatly improved.

If your scar has recently occurred, it is best to wait a year before making the decision to undergo the procedure. Many scars fade and become less noticeable over time, alleviating the need for the laser procedure. However, laser scar removal does work best on newer scars, so do not wait too long before considering the procedure.

For most patients, cost will be a consideration when they’re considering any kind of laser treatment. You may be able to get insurance to cover the procedure in specific cases where the scar is physically affecting you, particularly if you are a burn victim. In most cases, however, insurance will not cover treatments for scarring because they are strictly cosmetic. Laser treatment can be expensive, although the cost varies widely based on the size and type of scar, as well as the number of treatments. Whether laser scar removal is right for you depends on your ability to pay or set up a payment plan with the doctor.

To determine whether laser scar removal will be effective for your situation, schedule a consultation with a dermatologist who has extensive training in laser scar removal methods. They will review your skin type and scar to determine the best course of treatment to reduce the appearance. If laser treatment is not appropriate for you, there are alternative procedures available, including chemical peels or collagen injections.

Laser Technologies for Scar Removal

Many people don’t realize that there is actually a wide variety of technologies behind laser scar removal. These different lasers are continually being developed to expand their uses and make them more effective. Today’s lasers are much more precise, and offer a shorter recovery time, than those used just a few years ago.

Most lasers used for laser scar removal work by vaporizing the top layers of the skin. This results in a smoother appearance as younger and healthier skin is revealed. Other types of laser technologies used work by promoting the growth of collagen under the scar, which is useful for filling in indented scars from the inside.

The lasers employed during a laser scar removal procedure differ in the wavelength of light they produce. The wavelength affects how deeply the lasers penetrate the skin. Different wavelengths are more effective at treating different kinds of scars. Here are the most commonly used laser types:

1. CO2 lasers are the lasers that were first used for laser scar removal. They are most effective on mild acne scarring. CO2 lasers work by removing one layer of the skin at a time until the scar is flat against the rest of the skin and healthy, smooth skin has been exposed.
2. Erbium is also one of the first lasers successfully used for scar removal. It works in a similar way to CO2 lasers, by removing the outermost layers of the skin. This laser can be used on more skin types than CO2 lasers, and has a lower rate of complications.
3. The Er:YAG laser system is relatively new, it is used to treat the edges of scars, as well as acne scarring. Considered more effective than earlier laser types, it causes less damage and can be used on people with darker skin tones. With Er:YAG lasers, most patients experience less swelling and a shorter recovery time.
4. Pulse Dye Lasers (PDL) is a short-wavelength laser used to treat hypertrophic and keloid scars. It is effective against these reddish or pink scars because it is drawn to the hemoglobin in blood. PDL laser systems are also used in the treatment of stretch marks.
5. Q-switched lasers are usually used for pigmented scars. They target the melanin in the skin, and are especially effective on people with darker skin.

As you can see, there are several different types of laser technologies used to treat scars. These different technologies are used under many brand names, so be sure you understand the type of laser technology being used to treat your scar. Your doctor will choose the right laser type for your skin type and the scar you are having removed.

What are my Laser Treatment Options?

If you are considering laser scar removal, it’s important to understand the options and how they affect you. There are several different kinds of lasers, although most of them work in the same way. They differ in how much they are able to penetrate the skin, which is important if you have severe scarring. These treatments mainly work by using various wavelengths of lasers with different intensities. All types of lasers used for scar removal are very precise, with a short downtime following treatment.

Nonablative lasers, such as yellow pulse dye lasers and N-Lite lasers, trigger collagen formation under the skin, filling in the scars and reducing redness. Other types, called Ablative lasers, are more commonly used to treat scars by vaporizing the top layers of the skin, like sanding a tabletop. These include the CO2, Erbium, and Nd:YAG lasers. While the CO2 was once commonly used to treat acne scars, it has fallen out of favor for new types of lasers. However, many doctors are still using these older lasers, so make sure you understand the differences in technology before agreeing to a procedure using an older laser. These types of laser are used under various brand names, so be sure to ask your doctor about the technology offered for laser scar removal.

Your doctor will evaluate the type and severity of your scarring to determine which method will work best for you. There are three main types of scars, including keloid, hypertrophic, and atrophic (acne). The lasers have been developed to work on different kinds of scars. Your doctor will help you choose the right one for your situation. Raised scars need a more powerful laser beam, while flatter scars respond to different kinds of lasers.

Your choice will also be affected by which types of laser are offered by the laser treatment center you have chosen, as not all laser scar removal centers use all available types of lasers. For the best results, choose a doctor who understands how to select a laser and adjust the settings for your specific situation; the lasers will not be equally effective on all types of scars.

After your initial treatment, you’ll have the option of additional treatments to further reduce the appearance of the scar. At that point, you can either leave the scar alone if you are satisfied with the results of the first round of laser treatment, or continue to have additional treatments until your scar achieves a satisfactory appearance. Many patients do decide to undergo additional treatments, but you may not decide to, especially if your scar was small to begin with. Some patients undergo as many as 6 or 8 treatments; after several treatments you will begin to see diminishing results from continued treatment.

What are the Risks of Using Lasers?

As with any medical procedure, laser scar removal is not without its risks. However, the risk of complications with this procedure is quite low, and many people experience impressive results with laser treatment. Most side effects are temporary, although a few persist for several months or are permanent risks. Here are a few of the long-lasting risks you take when undergoing laser scar removal:

• Long-lasting erythema, or redness of the skin. This usually occurs after the use of CO2 lasers, which are the oldest form of laser used. Most patients experience short-term redness and swelling lasting a few days. If long-lasting, it could lead to permanent skincolor changes if it persists for 6-12 months after the procedure.
• Hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopignmentation (lightening), could occur on the treated skin area. Avoid the sun after your treatment, as this can make the condition worse. Some lightening of the skin may be due to the laser’s removal of the top skin layers, which may be tanner than the underlying layers. If this is the case, removal of the tanned skin should be regarded as a benefit, as newer and healthier skin has been exposed. Other cases of skin pigmentation changes are due to the use of lasers which penetrate deeper into the skin.
• Scarring- Very rarely, the skin may blister and then scar. Do not pick or scratch at the treated area, as this increases the risk of scarring. Scarring is a risk in any procedure that removes the surface of the skin. To keep the skin from becoming infected, use an antibiotic ointment. Your doctor may prescribe an ointment for this purpose; if so, use it exactly as directed.

To reduce your risks when undergoing laser scar removal, choose a reputable doctor with a good track record. As with any medical procedure, your safety should be first when determining the best treatment option for you. Overly aggressive laser treatment methods may increase your risks, so be sure to take this into account when planning your course of treatment. Your doctor should be more concerned about your safety than about pressuring you to sign up for the procedure.

The doctor you choose should be well trained in laser scar removal using the same type of laser as will be used on your scar. The laser settings can affect your risk of complications, because higher settings are more aggressive and can cause more damage. Lasers should only be used in the hands of professionals.

Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly, particularly concerning post-treatment care of the treated area. To avoid these complications, use an experienced laser scar removal center and properly care for the treated skin after the procedure.

Understanding the Scar Removal Procedure

Before committing to laser scar removal, be sure you know what to expect along the way. The first step to laser scar removal is to schedule a consultation with a doctor trained in the procedure. Choose a reputable laser treatment center to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly. Once you have selected a doctor and scheduled an appointment, you’ll need to avoid sun exposure and tanning if you want the procedure to be effective. A few weeks before treatment, you’ll also need to stop taking many antibiotics; discuss the specifics with your doctor.

On the day of the procedure, do not apply makeup or lotion on the area to be treated. Once you arrive at the laser treatment center you will be prepared for treatment. First a cooling gel will be applied to the area. In some cases, a local anesthetic will also be used. You may want to take some pain medication, although most patients report that the procedure is not overly painful. During the procedure, both you and the doctor will wear protective eyewear. The doctor will hold a handheld laser to your skin, sending a laser pulse to the treated area. You may feel a slight stinging sensation as the laser enters your skin.

Each treatment will usually take about 15 or 20 minutes, depending on the size and severity of the scar. Afterwards, your skin will be red, and a little swollen, but it should return to normal in a day or so. Within just a few days, your skin should be well on its way to healing. Your recovery time depends on the type of laser used, as some penetrate the skin more deeply than others. Allow for up to two weeks for the skin to fully heal, although normal activities can be resumed immediately after the treatment. The laser is very precise, and should not have affected any of the surrounding tissue.

Your doctor may prescribe a medicated cream; be sure to use it exactly as directed. Also be sure to moisturize the skin often to promote healing. You should keep the area clean, and use sunblock daily. Avoid rigorously scrubbing the treated area, and stay out of the sun. In short, take care of the treated area the best way possible to promote healing and minimize the chance of irritation or infection.

Visit the doctor in a few weeks to evaluate the results. Even if you do not see immediate results, the area will continue to improve for up to six months after laser treatment. If you wish to have another treatment to further reduce the appearance of the scar, schedule it for a month after the first treatment. Laser scar removal should be viewed as a way to minimize the scar, not completely remove it. However, especially with small or flat scars, laser scar removal may make them completely unnoticeable. Most people undergo 3 to 6 treatments for each scar, although you can stop when the scar reaches an appearance that is acceptable to you.

Benefits of Laser Scar Removal

The most obvious reason why people want laser scar removal is because scars feel unpleasant! If given the choice, most people would choose not to have scarring. However, they’re an unavoidable fact of daily life, because they’re a natural process caused by the skin’s attempts to heal itself after an injury. Most people assume that their scars are here to stay, or try miracle creams or serums in the hope that they will magically disappear. These methods are not effective at removing scarring, but laser scar removal is an excellent option to remove those blemishes you once assumed were permanent.

Laser scar removal is particularly effective against pockmarks caused by acne. This is good news for the millions of people who have suffered from acne. This embarrassing condition can cause permanent scarring, creating an everyday reminder to acne sufferers of their skin condition. These scars occur especially on the face, making it all the more important to hide them or get rid of them. Because acne scarring is usually fairly flat, laser treatment is especially effective at minimizing them.

Laser scar removal is also effective on many other types of scars, including those caused by accidents or burns. Even the redness associated with raised scars can be alleviated. Not only can laser treatments remove the physical scar, but they can also help to get rid of painful memories of the cause. If you suffered from acne in your adolescent years, or suffered an accident or other injury, getting rid of the scar can help you forget these memories.

On the more practical side, laser scar removal can allow you to go without heavy makeup or clothing used to cover up your scarring. If you are used to choosing your clothing based on covering your scars, or choosing makeup that will hide your facial blemishes, you understand the freedom that comes with scar removal. This is particularly helpful for acne scarring or other facial scars that can be difficult to cover unless you use thick layers of makeup. Makeup can look unnatural; after laser facial scar removal you’ll be able to show off your natural skin without makeup hiding your face. Once your scars are gone, you’ll be able to wear more revealing clothing without worrying about whether it will cover your blemish. Without these cover-ups, you can present a more professional image, and be yourself.

Removing your scars will help your outside appearance match your inner beauty. By reducing their appearance, you can experience a boost in self-confidence. Scars can feel unsightly, but the good news is that they may not be there forever. If you’ve ever wished that your scars would just go away, laser scar removal gives you that chance.

Does Laser Scar Removal Have Side Effects?

Like with most medical procedures, you can expect to have some side effects with laser scar removal. These are usually mild and temporary; the procedure is low-pain for most patients. Be sure to discuss the possible side effects before the procedure with your doctor so that you are not caught unprepared. Any reputable doctor will inform you of the side effects in detail before allowing you to commit to the procedure. The possible side effects include:

• Redness and swelling of the treated skin- This occurs in most patients. It may cause some discomfort, but should subside in a few days. During this time you can use over-the-counter pain medications. Ice packs can be applied to the treated skin to reduce the swelling.

• Blistering or crusting- This is a rare side effect, usually due to the inexperience of the laser practitioner. It can usually be avoided by using the correct settings on the laser. If blisters do form following your treatment, cover them with an antibiotic ointment to prevent them from becoming infected. Do not pick or scratch at the affected area, or you will increase the risk of scarring.
• Infections or scarring- Rarely, the treated skin may become infected. If not properly treated, it could result in a scar. To care for the infected skin, use a medicated ointment on the area, and do not pick or scratch at it.
• Skin sensitivity- As a direct result of removing the top layer of skin, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun in the weeks and months following the treatment. Always apply SPF30 or higher sunblock to the treated area for the first few months after treatment, although of course sunblock is a good idea for everyday use, too. Since it is unavoidable, make sure you know how to care for your newly sun-sensitive skin before your laser procedure.
• Allergic reactions- While it is impossible to have an allergic reaction to the lasers, certain medications or creams used during the treatment may cause an allergic reaction. However, this is quite rare. If you have known allergies, bring these up with the laser scar removal center. The doctor may make substitutions to lower your risk of an allergic reaction.
• Temporary discoloration- After your treatment, the treated area of skin may become lighter or darker. Over time, your skin color should return to its normal shade. This may be caused by aggressive laser treatments, which can penetrate deeper into your skin. Very rarely, the discoloration may become permanent.

Laser scar removal is generally very safe, with mild and temporary side effects. Choose a reputable, fully trained doctor in order to lower your risk. The area should be completely healed in less than a month. Properly care for the treated skin, and avoid aggressive treatments if you want to lower your risk further.

Introducing Lasers for Scar Removal

Most people have a scar of some shape or size on their body. These are usually of no significance to us and are rarely noticed, but unfortunately for some people their scars can impact on their daily lives. Surgical scars, acne scars or even scaring resulting from an accident can be a painful visual reminder of past events or just embarrassing particularly if they are on the face or some other visible part of the body.

While no treatment for scars can remove the memory behind the scar, reducing the appearance of a scar can help decrease any visual reminder and self consciousness felt.

Laser scar removal is often and more accurately referred to as laser scar revision, as the visual appearance of the scar is lessened rather than removed. Even so, after receiving the right treatment, in most cases the scar will be barely noticeable even to those who know to look for it .

The type of scar you have, its age, your skin tone and any other treatments you have already tried before will all have an impact on the required treatment to achieve the best results. Recent refinements in laser technology have greatly increased the success rates in the treatment of prominent and unsightly scars.

Depending on the severity of scaring the treatment required will vary. For superficial scars or blemishes a laser may be used to encourage regeneration of the skin cells. In more severe scaring, like acne scaring the outer layer of the skin may be removed, this may either be using a laser or micro-dermabrasion (a type of skin exfoliation), before using a laser to stimulate the growth of fresh new skin cells and collagen, resulting over time in smooth and healthy looking skin .

Some redness and soreness can be expected after laser scar removal and you will need to adjust your skin care routine before and after treatment, specific advise about which will be supplied by the clinic you visit . While any redness will fade quickly it can take anywhere up to six months for the full effects of the scar treatments to become apparent as the treated areas of skin will need time to fully recover.

Before considering any kind of laser scar removal to change the appearance of your scars it is important to note that nothing can completely remove your scar, at best most treatments will reduce the appearance of a scar so that it is barely noticeable. Having a realistic expectation the outcome of laser scar removal will help you find the right advice and choose the right treatment for you.

• Recent Updates

  • Laser Scar Removal
  • Choosing the Best Scar Removal Clinic
  • How Does Laser Scar Removal Work?
  • Are Laser Scar Treatments Right For Me?
  • Laser Technologies for Scar Removal

• Recent Comments

  • Margaret on Does Laser Scar Removal Have Side Effects?
  • Mohammad on Does Laser Scar Removal Have Side Effects?
  • Margaret on Choosing the Best Scar Removal Clinic
  • karman meneses on Choosing the Best Scar Removal Clinic
  • Margaret on Are Laser Scar Treatments Right For Me?

• Categories

  • Laser Scar Removal

Tags

• Pages

  • About
  • Contact
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

• Blogroll

  • Cheap Indoor Tanning Lotion