Scars can be caused by acne, surgery, or injuries and can be a source of self-consciousness for many people. Fortunately, if your scars bother you, there are treatments available that can help to reduce their appearance and boost your self confidence. Laser scar treatments are an effective way to reduce the appearance of scars by improving the texture, color, and overall appearance of the damaged skin. In most cases, downtime and discomfort is minimal and you’re left with smoother, more even skin after just a few treatments.
Can Laser Treatment Get Rid of a Scar?
Laser scar treatment is a minimally invasive way to improve the appearance of scars.
- Consultation: Meet with a medical professional to assess your scarring and skin, discuss expectations, and determine the best laser treatment for you. Your doctor may recommend Fraxel or CO2 laser. Other treatments like a chemical peel or may be recommended to optimize your results.
- Treatment: Lasers deliver focused beams of light into the targeted area. This prevents damage to the surrounding skin. When the light is absorbed by the scar tissue, it stimulates collagen production and promotes skin healing. This process will break down scar tissue, smooth out uneven texture, and encourage the growth of healthy skin cells. Some patients experience mild discomfort during treatment which can be minimized with topical anesthesia.
- Recovery and Results: You may experience temporary redness, swelling, and flaking following your treatment. Be sure to follow all aftercare instructions from your provider and avoid direct sun exposure. Your skin will be more sensitive following treatment. You may need multiple treatments to reach your desired results.
What Types of Scars Can Be Treated with Lasers?
Laser scar treatments can improve the appearance of scars caused by:
- Acne
- Surgery
- Injury
- Hypertrophic scars
- Keloids
Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment based on type, size, location, and skin type.
What Lasers Are Used For Scar Treatments?
Fraxel Laser: The Fraxel laser features two different wavelengths, allowing it to address texture and color concerns. A topical anesthetic is used during treatment to help with discomfort. Expect about a week of downtime following your treatment.
CO2 Laser: CO2 lasers remove targeted layers of skin without damaging the surrounding tissues. Collagen is stimulated during the healing process, revealing smoother skin over the next several weeks. 7-10 days of downtime following treatment is expected.
While both of these options are non-surgical, you may experience some downtime following your treatments. Talk to your provider about which option is best for you.
Non-Invasive Treatments to Improve Scars
If you’re not interested in laser treatment, but would still like to improve the appearance of your scars, there are other options available.
-
Chemical Peels: A chemical peel uses mild acids to remove the outer layer of skin, promoting new cell growth. Superficial peels can target shallow scars, while deeper peels address more prominent ones. Your medical aesthetician will be able to advise you on which peel is best to address your concerns.
-
Microdermabrasion: This treatment uses a device to gently exfoliate the skin. It can help to smooth out uneven texture and minimize the appearance of minor scars.
-
Microneedling: Tiny needles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response and collage production. This collagen production can plump up scar tissue and tone skin, making scars less noticeable. Most people need a series of 3 three treatments with annual or bi-annual maintenance sessions.
-
Fillers: Injectable fillers like hyaluronic acid can add volume and lift depressed scars, creating a smoother appearance. They are most effective for scars with a pitted or indented appearance.
These non-invasive treatments offer varying degrees of improvement. Your medical aesthetician can help determine the best course of action for your specific scar type and desired results. Remember, multiple sessions might be required for optimal results.
Laser Scar Treatment in Nashville, TN
Laser scar treatments can significantly improve the appearance of scars and boost your self-confidence! Whether you have you have disfiguring scars, or looking to improve texture from acne scarring, laser treatment may be the solution for you.
If you’re ready to feel comfortable in your skin, call Dr. Binhlam today to schedule your consultation and learn more about laser scar treatment in Nashville!