Laser Scar Removal

You can get rid of any type of scars with such a minimally invasive treatment as laser removal. This kind of scar management techniques has proven itself on the good side in solving aesthetic problems. It is renowned and popular all over the world. This method is based on the thermal scar tissue removal and activation of new collagen and elastin production.

There are two degrees of laser impact to the skin:

• Ablative: involves the complete removal of the upper skin layer;

• Non-ablative: effects on the deeper layers of the skin without breaching the integrity of its surface.

The power of laser emission and the kind of impact is determined by a cosmetologist and depends on the scar types. Their classification depends on the amount of collagen in the tissues. What types of scars exist, then?

• Atrophic. During the healing process more new tissue is formed in the damaged area, than it was lost. It results in lack of collagen for complete healing. In such a way striae (stretch marks), traces of smallpox, chickenpox, acne, herpes, and purulent lesions may appear. Such scars often have pale pink color, their texture is uneven, and the size is insignificant.

• Normotrophic. During the healing process, exactly the same amount of tissue is formed as it was lost. These are thin, light and almost imperceptible scars that usually occur with minor cuts, burns or other slight skin injuries. Usually they do not bring discomfort, except for the cases when they are placed in visible areas – on the face, decollete or hands.

• Hypertrophic scars. The tissues grow more and exceed the number of those that have been lost. At the same time, the connective tissue has a fibrous structure, so the defects become very noticeable. It may be caused by chemical injuries, deep cuts, extensive purulent inflammation.

• Keloid. The most challenging scar type to treat. It forms when the connective tissue at the place of injury grows uncontrollably, the scar reaches large size and looks extremely unattractive. It can be bluish, purple, or red, with a convex shape. Treatment of such formations, in addition to laser scar revision, involves therapy with special medications, and takes a long time. Some plastic surgery may be contraindicated in patients with a tendency to form keloid scars.

In therapy different types of lasers are used. These can be:

• Pulsed lasers. They are used to remove long-standing, previously untreated, hypertrophic scars. Important: This type of laser is not suitable for dark skin.

• Neodymium lasers with a wavelength of 585NM, 532NM, 1064NM are also used to treat hypertrophic scars. They require precise adjustment of the device to avoid complications.

• Ablative lasers. They are used in the treatment of atrophic and normotrophic scars. To achieve the greatest effect, a combination of laser and medication therapy is possible.

• Erbium lasers. They are most effective in removing scars and are suitable for any type of them.

Advantages of the procedure

Laser scar removal has several undeniable advantages in comparison with other methods. They are:

• Superior effectiveness in the correction of scars with various depth and genesis;

• Fast achievement of the tasks and long-lasting result;

• Customization of the device settings for each skin type;

• Comfortable feeling during the procedure and complete safety;

• Affordable price compared to the other methods.

How should I prepare for the procedure?

No long-term preparation for therapy is required. The only recommendation is to give up alcohol and smoking 2-3 weeks before the procedure and as far as possible further. In addition, it is necessary to exclude exposure to direct sunlight. We know that it is not easy in Dubai, so please stock up on sunscreens with SPF 50+, you will need them after the treatment.

Whom the procedure is good for?

The procedure is suitable for the patients who want to get rid of scars of any type: from atrophic to keloid. However, the therapy can’t always be done. There are several contraindications which exclude the possibility of the laser scar remodeling. They are:

• Decompensated diabetes mellitus;

• Acute infectious diseases;

• Epilepsy;

• Oncology;

• Hemophilia;

• Endocrine disorders;

• Pregnancy, lactation.

Risks

There are practically no risks, if all the points of the treatment protocol are followed. An exception may be keloid scars, which necessarily require supportive therapy after scar excision. Without it, the treatment will be ineffective. After the treatment uncomfortable conditions like swelling, skin redness, itching may appear. They pass on their own and do not require correction.

Rehabilitation after the treatment

Recovery after laser scar removal takes on average 7-10 days. During this period, the skin requires a special care: aggressive scrubs and peels, decorative cosmetics are not recommended. Reduce exposure to direct sunlight and, again, use products with a high sun protection (they must be applied every 2-2.5 hours).