Laser Resurfacing of Scar

Laser therapy uses focused beams of light to treat damaged areas on the body. It can remove tumors and other growths, improve vision, stop hair loss, and treat pain. Laser therapy can also improve the appearance of scars.

Laser treatment for scars is an outpatient procedure. Your doctor repeatedly moves a laser wand over your skin to remove damaged skin cells and diminish scars. These include:

  • injury scars
  • burn marks
  • acne scars
  • dark spots, age spots, and other types of hyperpigmentation

Procedures for laser treatments for scars

During your consultation, doctor will decide the best procedure for improving a scar. Your options may include the following:

Ablative or laser resurfacing

This type of treatment improves the appearance of scars, warts, and wrinkles. Resurfacing removes the outer layer of skin and eliminates skin cells that have been damaged at the surface level. Doctor may use a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for deeper scars, or an erbium laser for surface scars.

Fractionated laser resurfacing

A laser penetrates a deeper layer of the skin’s surface to remove dark pigmented cells. This procedure also stimulates collagen production and skin cell renewal, which can make your scars appear less noticeable.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing

Infrared heat lasers penetrate the inner layer of the skin. This also stimulates collagen production and cell renewal to replace damaged skin cells.

Laser treatments for scars are outpatient procedures, although the length of procedures vary. You can expect some mild discomfort during treatment. Doctor will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area so you don’t feel pain. You can ask for sedation if you’re treating a larger scar.

What to expect after laser treatment for scars

Recovery times vary, but it may take 3 to 10 days for your skin to heal. Your doctor will provide aftercare instructions immediately following treatment. These may include the following:

  • Avoid direct sunlight for four to six weeks after the procedure.
  • Apply a cold pack or moist cloth to the area to reduce swelling.
  • Take over-the-counter pain medication when needed.
  • Wash and apply moisturizer daily.
  • For facial procedures, you may need to avoid makeup for a few days.

 

Laser skin treatments for scars are long-lasting, although results may not be permanent. You may need repeated treatments in the future. Results aren’t always instant. It may take weeks or months before you notice a difference.