Laser Treatment for Scars
Laser therapy for scars has come a long way from a decade ago and has really advanced with the use of fractioned ablative lasers. Fractional laser can help reduce the thickness of the scar, reduce the redness, and even start to blend the scarred skin together with your normal skin. Over a course of treatments dramatic results can be achieved.
I will typically start with Fractional Laser to treat scars when a laser is recommended. It is a quick and easy procedure. The patient will have a numbing medication applied to the scar for about 30 minutes prior to the treatment. The treatment causes little to no pain and is done in about 10 minutes. There will be some pinpoint bleeding, which is expected and will typically resolve within 24 hours. Post care is simple and includes the use of Aquaphor or similar product for about 48-72 hours. Repeat treatments are typically every 4 to 6 weeks. We can keep the cost of the procedure down because we are treating small areas and the cost is usually within the reach of most patients to be able to complete multiple sessions.
I find the best outcomes tend to be with a “all hands-on deck” approach. This may include treating with Fractional Laser and then utilizing Silicone Gel at home between treatments. Scars do not change overnight, but as the weeks and months go by the improvement is exciting to watch.