Scars are more than skin marks. They usually remind us of injuries or surgeries. For many people, especially those with visible scars, this fact alone makes them feel self-conscious and uncomfortable.
The struggle for those wanting smooth skin is removing them. This can be an uphill task with conventional treatments that often deliver unsatisfactory results.
Laser treatments prove to be more effective than other conventional methods using creams or dermabrasion. The results from the creams are just superficial, while the use of dermabrasion and plastic surgery may be painful and take longer in recovery cases.
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What Laser Scar Treatment Entails
Laser scar treatment involves destroying scar tissues using focused light beams. The ‘destruction’ of scar tissue stimulates collagen production and regenerates your skin, providing a smoother-looking effect.
Laser therapy works through selective photothermolysis, which destroys the damaged cells while maintaining the surrounding tissue.
Laser therapy works well for various scars, like acne scars and surgical marks, helping improve their appearance and boost confidence.
Options for Laser Scar Treatment
There are many laser treatment scar options, each for different types of scars and different needs. First, we have PicoSure laser treatment. This laser treatment option uses ultra-short pulses that destroy scar tissue without affecting the surrounding skin, so it is very efficient for acne scars and other pigment-related problems.
The second is fractional skin resurfacing. It works by taking tiny laser columns deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and reducing deeper scars.
The other type is pulsed dye laser therapy. This focuses on the blood vessels in raised scars, reducing redness to perfection. It is effective for keloid or hypertrophic scars.
Laser Scar Treatments are Generally Painless
Most people worry about the pain they will experience during laser treatments. For the most part, these treatments are relatively painless compared to other traditional methods, such as plastic surgery, which involves much pain in the recovery process.
In most cases, when the laser touches the scar tissue, you feel warmth or mild stinging. Most practitioners apply numbing creams or local anesthesia to increase comfort during procedures.
“Pain is subjective, depending on individual tolerance and treatment. In general, many people find it bearable. Even when there is some discomfort, it results in reduced scarring and makes up for the insignificant and momentary inconvenience caused during treatment,” says Dr. Olivier Deigni, from Deigni Plastic Surgery.
Who Qualifies for Laser Scar Treatment?
Not everyone qualifies for laser scar treatments. People with active skin infections, open wounds, or certain disorders like psoriasis are advised to avoid procedures to prevent further complications.
Because of the high melanin content, people with dark skin have a high chance of developing hyperpigmentation through laser therapy. Hence, you may need to consult a certified dermatologist before going through the process.
Pregnant women and individuals taking medications that affect healing or blood clotting may also need to wait before considering treatment.
Understanding Laser Treatment Costs
Laser scar treatment costs can vary widely, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per session. Compared to plastic surgery, which can cost tens of thousands and require extensive recovery, laser therapy offers a more affordable option with faster results.
Plastic surgery provides significant improvements but is more expensive and has longer healing periods. Many patients find that laser treatments deliver effective results without the same financial burden.
This affordability makes laser options attractive for those seeking effective scar reduction at a reasonable cost.
