Treatment FAQ

which laser treatment is best for scars

by Mandy Quigley Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

The Fraxel laser uses microscopic spots of laser energy to penetrate even deeper into the skin to stimulate the production of new collagen and create a smoother surface contour. Fraxel laser treatments can also reduce surface pigmentation that can result from sun damage or acne scars.Dec 10, 2019

Full Answer

What is the best laser for scar removal?

Scar tissue removal may also be done through laser techniques, including a procedure known as micro burning. A health care provider can determine the best method of removal, according to the type and location of the scar, and how much scar tissue is present.

How much does laser scar removal cost?

Laser acne scar removal costs can be quite high depending on the laser used. For the V-Beam laser treatment you can expect to pay around $800 per session and you might need three or four sessions in total. The cost of the eMatrix laser is around the same. However, the cost of the Fraxel laser is higher, and can be upwards of $1,500.

How does laser therapy work for Scars?

To ensure the best possible results, keep in mind:

  • Don’t smoke at least two weeks before and after laser treatment. Smoking diminishes blood flow in the skin.
  • Tell Dr. ...
  • Avoid retinoid or glycolic acid skin care products for four weeks before and after your treatment.
  • Avoid suntanning or tanning beds for at least four weeks as well.

What is the best procedure for acne scars?

The best treatments for acne scarring at an office:

  • Laser Treatments: Laser treatments are either ablative or non-ablative. ...
  • Surgical treatments: Punch techniques are used to treat “ice pick” scars. ...
  • Esthetic Dermatology or Medi-Spa Treatments: Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure available at day spas as well as in Esthetic Dermatologists’ offices.

image

Which laser treatment is best for scar removal?

CO2 laser therapy. This type of therapy uses short pulses of light or continuous light beams to remove thin layers of skin with minimal damage to the surrounding skin. A small amount of scar tissue is targeted during each treatment, so you may need multiple visits for larger scars.

Can laser remove scars completely?

The laser helps stimulate new, healthy skin growth. Although laser treatment cannot completely remove scars, it can make them less noticeable and uncomfortable. People can get laser therapy on many types of scar, including surgical scars, acne scars, and scars from injuries. It is also safe to use on the face.

Which treatment is best for scar?

Effective Scar Treatment OptionsSurgical procedure. Surgically removing a scar is the most invasive type of treatment. ... Laser scar removal. For surgical scars in particular, laser scar removal is an effective, noninvasive option for scar treatment. ... Chemical peels. ... Dermabrasion. ... Injections. ... Ointments.

Can laser make scars worse?

Using a laser could cause a serious burn or discolor your skin. After having laser treatment, you'll need to protect your skin from the sun until your skin heals. If the sun's harmful rays hit your treated skin, you can develop another scar. 5.

Which cream is best to remove scars?

Healthline's picks for the best scar creamsMederma Advanced Scar Gel.SkinCeuticals Phyto +Cica-Care Gel Sheet.Cimeosil Scar and Laser Gel.ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel.Tosowoong Green Tea Natural Pure Essence.Honeydew Blemish Cream.Mederma for Kids.More items...

What are the 3 types of scars?

What are the different types of scars and treatment?Keloid scars. These are thick, rounded, irregular clusters of scar tissue that grow at the site of a wound on the skin, but beyond the edges of the borders of the wound. ... Hypertrophic scars. Hypertrophic scars are similar to keloid scars. ... Contractures. ... Adhesions.

How do you fade scars fast?

While existing scars cannot be waved away via magic wand, you can speed up the fading process by regularly applying certain topical creams, lotions, and gels to them. Some common ingredients in these scar treatments include aloe vera, cocoa butter, Vitamin E, honey, and other hydrating materials.

Can dermatologists help with scars?

If you see a scar on your skin and don't remember injuring your skin, immediately make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist. Another good reason to see a dermatologist before having a scar treated is to make sure it's still just a scar.

What Causes Scars?

Scars are the result of an injury or trauma to your skin. The severity of this type of injury varies, with more serious injury resulting in bigger and deeper scars.

What Is Laser Scar Treatment?

Laser treatment is also referred to as laser skin resurfacing or laser scar revision. This treatment can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and skin lesions, as well as scars. It can be effective even several years after a scar has formed.

How Does Laser Scar Removal Work?

There are two types of laser treatment available, including CO2 laser therapy and fractional laser therapy.

What Can You Expect After Laser Scar Removal?

After the laser treatment, a bandage will be applied and should be left on for 24 hours. After that, you should clean the area between 2 to 5 times per day with a saline solution or a diluted vinegar solution. You can also apply a healing ointment, like Eucerin or Aquaphor. The goal is to prevent a scab from forming.

Are There Complications of Laser Scar Removal?

There are some possible side effects of using laser treatment, including:

What is the procedure to remove scars?

Scar Revision. A derm surgeon or plastic surgeon may surgically remove scarred skin and attempt to reconstruct the remaining tissue in such a way to improve the ultimate appearance of the scar.

What are the different types of scars?

Scars are divided into many subgroups. Mature (white scars) Hypertrophic or keloidal (inflamed and thickened scars) Dark pigmentation (discoloration is not true scarring and usually slowly resolves without treatment) Erythematous (pink or red areas but not ...

Can you inject a scar with steroids?

Used only for hypertrophic scars or keloids, a series of injections with medicinal steroids may shrink an inflamed raised scar. Any Baylor Medicine Dermatologist can inject a scar with a corticosteroid. Topical. A variety of products may be purchased to improve a scars appearance.

How to treat scars with laser?

To treat a scar effectively, the person performing your laser treatment must consider your skin type, characteristics of your scar, and your overall health. During the medical consultation, tell your dermatologist if you: Get cold sores. Have any medical condition, including diabetes. Smoke.

How to prevent scars from forming after surgery?

Prevent a raised scar from forming after surgery. Reduce scar pain and itch. Increase your range of motion if a scar limits movement . Laser treatment can also make a scar less noticeable, but it cannot get rid of a scar. When you have laser scar treatment, you’re replacing one scar with another less-noticeable scar. 2.

What to know before laser treatment?

10 things to know before having laser treatment for your scar. After two pulsed-dye laser treatments from a board-certified dermatologist (B), this woman’s raised scar (A) is much less noticeable. A laser can seem like a magic wand that can make any scar disappear. Medical lasers, however, are nothing to play with.

Does insurance cover laser scar treatment?

Insurance may not cover the cost. Laser scar treatment can ease the pain and itch that scars sometimes cause. If a scar limits movement, laser treatment can help you move more freely. Still, insurance providers consider laser treatments cosmetic treatments.

Can lasers be used to treat scars?

Your results depend largely on the skills of the person performing the laser treatment. Dermatologists are at the forefront of researching and treating scars with lasers. In the hands of a board-certified dermatologist, laser treatment can safely treat many types of scars.

Can lasers cause scars?

Using a laser could cause a serious burn or discolor your skin. After having laser treatment, you’ll need to protect your skin from the sun until your skin heals. If the sun’s harmful rays hit your treated skin, you can develop another scar. 5. You may need to make a few lifestyle changes before treatment.

Do you need to have downtime with a nonablative laser?

This is often necessary when using a type of laser called a non-ablative laser. You won’t have downtime with this laser, but to see the desired results, you may need a few laser treatments. 8. After laser treatment, you’ll need to care for the treated area at home.

How long does it take for a scar to heal after laser treatment?

It is recommended to wait approximately 6 months to give your scar time to heal. Fraxel is an appropriate laser treatment in this case. It is quite common for scars to stay red for some time. Since you just had revision 6 weeks ago I would wait until you get laser treatment done.

How long does it take for a scar to heal after revision?

Since you just had revision 6 weeks ago I would wait until you get laser treatment done. It is recommended to wait approximately 6 months to give your scar time to heal. Fraxel is an appropriate laser treatment in this case. Helpful.

Why is scar management important?

The best Scar Management is important to minimize or completely hide from view, the telltale signs of your surgery —namely, scars. Both you and your surgeon want you to have the most minimal scarring possible. There are many possible causes for scars that are enlarged or overly red or not healing well.

Is Fraxel a good laser?

The earlier the better for laser treatments and scars. Fraxel is a fine choice. You essentially want a fractional ablative laser (CO2 or Erb:YAG) and possibly a lower wavelength laser like a PDL 595 nm wv zone if there is redness and hypervascularity. It will likely take multiple treatments to maximize scar.

Can you use laser to remove scars?

Answer: Facial Scar Laser Treatment. Yes laser treatment early on can minimize the extent of your scar later on including the red color that you describe . There are several lasers that are helpful including Fraxel CO2 ("Repair") but I prefer the Sciton or Diolite lasers for early scar treatment.

How long does it take for a laser to remove scars?

This kind of laser treatment aims to remove the entire top layer of your skin in the area where you have scarring. It can take 3 to 10 days before the redness from ablative lasers begins to subside.

How does laser treatment for acne scars work?

Laser treatment for acne scarring works in two ways. First, heat from the laser works to remove the top layer of your skin where a scar has formed. As this top layer of your scar peels off, your skin appears smoother, and the appearance of the scar is less noticeable.

What is fractional laser treatment?

Fractional lasers ( Fraxel) aim to stimulate the tissue underneath your scar to remove cells that are darkly pigmented underneath the top layer of skin. Boxcar and icepick scars sometimes respond well to this kind of laser.

How long does it take for acne scars to go away?

Pain from laser treatment for acne scars is usually gone after an hour or two. Redness may take up to 10 days to subside. Risks of using laser treatment to lessen the appearance of acne scarring include hyperpigmentation and infection.

What is the best treatment for acne scars?

Laser treatment for acne scars aims to minimize the appearance of scars from old acne outbreaks. Ninety-five percent. of people who have acne have some residual scarring. Laser treatment for acne scars focuses light on the top layers of your skin to break up scar tissue.

How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average out-of-pocket cost for laser skin resurfacing is around $2,000 for ablative and $1,100 for non-ablative laser treatments.

How does laser scar tissue work?

As the scar tissue breaks apart, heat and light from the laser also encourage new, healthy skin cells to grow. Blood flow is drawn to the area by the heat of the laser, and inflammation is reduced as blood vessels in the scar are targeted.

Types of Scars

There are several types of scars and different treatments depending on the type of scar and how mature the scar is.

Medical Reasons to Treat Scars

It’s perfectly normal to seek treatment for scars because you don’t like the way that they look. However, you may have some medical reasons for scar treatment:

What to Know Before Treatment

Before you embark on treatment for a scar, there are a few helpful things to know:

Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Scar Treatments

You can try a few home remedies or over-the-counter treatments for scars.

Scar Treatments Provided by a Doctor

If over-the-counter treatments don’t help, or if the scar is particularly large or concerning, seek help from a doctor for your scar. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons have many treatment options nowadays, Hruza says. Your doctor will consider several factors to help steer treatment:

Do's and Don'ts of Shopping for Skin Care Products

The U.S. News Health team delivers accurate information about health, nutrition and fitness, as well as in-depth medical condition guides. All of our stories rely on multiple, independent sources and experts in the field, such as medical doctors and licensed nutritionists.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9