Scar Removal by Laser

While non surgical scar removal solutions can improve the appearance of scars to a certain extent, more problematic scars ask for other treatments. Most dermatologists will advice patients to indulge in less invasive methods first. (e.g. silicone sheeting, silicone gels, pressure garments, massage, heat application, centellase)

Laser is commonly used for acne scar removal. Its purpose is not only to reduce the scar appearance but also to keep them from coming back.

In the 1980's laser was used for the first time in the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars. Back then the results were not very promising and scars that did improve tended to reappear after a while. Since then laser treatment has been improved.

Nowadays laser scar removal can reduce acne, hypertrophic and keloid scars. For hypertrophic scars the most improvement is seen after two or three laser treatments. (generally improvement of 50 - 80%) For keloids more sessions are needed to get comparable results. One critical note; expectations should be tempered a bit because, like with all treatments, laser scar removal is more about reducing rather than totally eradicating scar tissue.

A session will take about 10 to 90 minutes and the treatment is commonly performed under local anesthesia. The intensity of the laser depends on the patient's skin type and size, color, thickness and location of the scar. Possible side effects are hyperpigmentation and (ocassionally) dermatitis (rash). The latter mostly develops due to the use of topical antibiotics or adhesive bandages.

Topical antibiotics are known to cause skin irratation. That's why it's good to know there are alternatives without these side effects.