Laser therapy involves focusing beams of light on specific body areas to treat damage. It can improve vision, treat pain, stop hair loss, and remove tumors and growths. It can also improve the appearance of scars. Laser treatment for scars involves a doctor repeatedly passing a laser wand over an area to remove damaged skin cells. This outpatient procedure can address burn marks, age spots, injury scars, acne scars, and various forms of hyperpigmentation. It is not recommended for individuals who have light sensitivity because the treatment involves light and heat. You must talk with your doctor before laser treatment to ensure you are a good candidate.
How Laser Treatments Can Help Individuals with Scars
The most important thing you should know about laser treatment for scars is that they will not make scars disappear. However, they can make scars less noticeable. It is beneficial to understand how scars form and how lasers can make them look less noticeable. After your skin is injured, the body starts repairing the wound. A scab will develop over the wound to protect it from germs. Eventually, the scab falls off. The skin under the scab may be the same color as the rest of the skin on your body. However, the depth of the injury and other factors may cause the skin to be a different color.
It is common for scars to fade as time passes. Laser treatments can help scars become less noticeable. The laser will remove the outer layer of the scar. The goal is to make the skin smoother and improve its appearance and tone. Lasers can reduce redness and target blood vessels that appear in the tissue of the scars. There is also the benefit of stimulating the production of new skin cells, which improves the appearance of the scars.
Types of Laser Treatments for Scars
Before you use laser treatment for your scars, you must consult a qualified doctor. During this consultation, you will learn about the various laser treatments used for scars and get your doctor’s professional opinion on which option may be best for you. Laser resurfacing removes the outer layer of the skin. It eliminates skin cells that have been damaged. In addition to improving the appearance of scars, it can also treat wrinkles and warts. The medical professional you work with may use a carbon dioxide laser if you have deep scars. Fractionated laser resurfacing can remove dark pigment in your skin cells. It encourages skin cell renewal and stimulates collagen production in the skin.
Both of these things can make scars less noticeable and improve the appearance of your skin. Your doctor may recommend non-ablative laser resurfacing for your scars. These infrared heat lasers stimulate the production of collagen and encourage cell renewal. They are designed to penetrate the inner layers of the skin. Before starting your treatment, your doctor will apply a topical anesthetic. This will numb the area so that you do not feel any pain during treatment. For larger scars, a medical professional may recommend sedation. The length of your procedure will vary based on the size of your scars and the type of treatment recommended.
Areas That Can Be Treated
Individuals who have acne scarring tend to want laser treatment for their faces. Laser treatment can treat acne scars and other types of scars. Typical treatment areas include the face, neck, back, arms, and upper torso. Your doctor will explain how you should prepare for treatment. To be eligible for scar treatment, your doctor will likely recommend you stop smoking at least two weeks before the treatment. You should not use skin care products containing retinol, aspirin, or blood thinning supplements for at least two weeks before your treatment session.
Are Laser Treatments for Scars Worth It?
For most people, the answer is yes. It can noticeably reduce scarring on the body. However, it is unlikely that the scars will completely disappear. In addition to improving your appearance by reducing scarring on your body, laser treatments can boost confidence. For most people, this makes the treatment more than worth it. Would you like to learn more about laser treatments for scarring? If so, contact us today at 205-352-9141.
