should know
Laser is an effective treatment for many skin problems, but how effective is laser scar treatment? This is what the article will answer in detail.
Let us learn the most important information about treating scars with laser in the following:
Objectives of laser scar treatment
Medical laser is one of the preferred cosmetic solutions by some dermatologists, due to its ability to safely penetrate the layers of the skin, stimulate cell regeneration and rid the skin of dead cells.
As for treating scars with laser, the treatment mechanism here depends mainly on creating a new scar in the skin in place of the old scar in order to stimulate the skin to renew its cells in the scar area and thus significantly reduce the appearance of the old scar.
Laser scar treatment may help with the following
Relieve any redness or itching at the scar site.
Improving the appearance of the scar and making it less noticeable to the viewer''s eye.
Improving the ability to move the scarred area, especially when the scar extends over a relatively large area of skin, as is the case with burn scars.
Types of lasers used to treat scars
Before starting to treat scars with laser, the doctor usually discusses the options available from the different types of laser before agreeing with the patient on the appropriate type for the case.
Below is a list of the most important types and techniques of laser used to treat scars
1. Nonablative Fractional Laser
In non-ablative laser skin resurfacing, the patient needs several sessions to obtain the desired results. This type of laser usually causes redness, swelling, and mild peeling of the skin, all of which disappear within several days.
2. Ablative Fractional Resurfacing
The patient with ablative laser skin peeling needs fewer sessions than the number of non-ablative laser sessions, but the recovery period is longer and the accompanying side effects are more severe.
3. Pulsed Dye Laser technology
Pulsed dye laser technology is usually used to cut off the blood supply to the scarred area, thus reducing redness and preventing it from increasing in size. It is a good option for keloid scars.
4. Other types and techniques
The types of lasers used to treat laser scars do not stop at what was mentioned only, but extend to include the following other types:
Carbon Dioxide Laser.
Intense Pulsed Light - IPL.
Q-Switched laser.
Sometimes more than one of the above-mentioned techniques is combined during a single session or during the different stages of treatment.
Types of scars that can be treated with laser
Laser scar treatment is an effective treatment for many types of scars, and the following types of scars are specifically the most responsive to laser treatments:
Keloid scar: These are scars that are raised above the surface of the skin and extend beyond the circumference of the actual area of injury, such as those resulting from surgery or a severe injury.
Hypertrophic scar: Like the previous type, it is in the form of a scar raised above the surface of the skin, but it remains in the vicinity of the injury area and does not go beyond it, unlike a keloid scar.
Acne scars of different types: Acne scars may be in the form of visible bumps in the skin or in the form of pits or holes in the skin.
Shrinking scars: These are scars that result from burns. They are a difficult type to treat, but it is possible to combine several types of lasers to contribute to reducing the appearance of these scars.
Skin pigmentation: Skin pigmentation is characterized by the appearance of areas of the skin with an unnatural dark color.
Mature scars: These are also called old scars that turn white.
Categories for which laser scar treatment is not suitable
Although treating scars with laser is a treatment that has proven effective in a good percentage of cases, it is not suitable for everyone, as the following groups are advised to avoid it completely or to make changes determined by the doctor before undergoing the laser:
People with the following skin diseases
Contact dermatitis.
Psoriasis.
Cystic acne.
People with dark skin.
People who take nutritional supplements or certain medications, such as acne medications.
People who have recently tanned their skin.
Complications and side effects
Treatment may cause some complications and negative side effects, which the doctor usually discusses with the patient before starting. The severity of these symptoms varies depending on the type of laser used, the patient’s condition, and his skin type.
Below is a list of the most important and common possible complications
Swelling and general discomfort.
Light bleeding.
Dermatitis.
Skin pigmentation.
Formation of crusts on the skin.
It is also possible that the laser used may make the scar worse in some cases, or the scar may remain as it is, unaffected by treatment.
Important facts about laser treatment
Before thinking about resorting to laser scar treatment, you must realize a set of important facts and information, which are as follows:
The scar will not completely disappear even if the laser treatment used is effective.
Taking appropriate measures to protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun is very important before and after undergoing treatment.
Realize that the results will not appear immediately after the session ends. Rather, it may take a long period of time before obtaining the desired results. The patient may need several sessions before he begins to notice any improvement in the scars.
