Scar treatment
Scarring is formed when the skin’s integrity has been disturbed due to surgery, trauma or as a result of inflammatory skin disease. Scar formation is unpredictable and depends on various factors: the wound’s depth, any possible contamination, the individual’s predisposition, etc. Scars can be raised or hollow, differing in texture, size, shape, and color.
Lasers are some of the most powerful tools available to significantly reduce scar visibility.
The impact of the ablative Er:Yag laser aims to replace the distorted scar tissue with new, healthy tissue. The laser beam is split in smaller beams which start forming columns of thermally injured tissue deep in the skin. This unlocks the process to replace the faulty collagen with normal collagen.
A Nd:Yag laser is used if the scar is showing redness or for scars on or over the skin surface level. The laser beams penetrate the skin and improve the scar’s structure, also removing its redness.
The precision and versatility offered by the settings of these two lasers make this treatment suitable for all types of scars.
The effect becomes noticeable in 2 weeks at the earliest; the full effect shows in around 2-4 months.
In some cases, laser treatment is combined with locally injected collagen or other types of medication for even better results.
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Specially trained and certified physicians make sure the procedure goes well and observe the patient’s safety. AestheLine Dermatology Clinic uses a high-quality device by the leading laser manufacturer in the field of dermatology and aesthetics – Fotona®.
What does the procedure involve?
First, the scar is anesthetized via locally injected lidocaine. The area is treated 3-5 times depending on the scar type. The procedure is painless. At the end of the procedure, the scar is treated with an antibiotic cream and covered with a dressing that should stay on for 24 hours. Throughout the procedure, the patient wears protective goggles. The duration varies depending on the treated area’s size.
What are the contraindications?
Laser scar treatment is contraindicated for bacterial or viral skin infections. It is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women, people with light sensitivity, and epileptics. Immediately after treatment, the scar will be red and swollen. This swelling passes in 2-3 days. Within a week following the procedure, you might notice brown scabbing or slight redness. The skin should recover completely in 7 to 10 days.
When does the treatment take effect and how long does it last?
It usually takes around 2 months for the skin to replace the faulty collagen with new, healthy collagen. Between the 4th and the 6th month, you should be able to observe the procedure’s optimal effect. After achieving the desired effect, you shouldn’t expect any worsening or maintaining therapies.
What is the recommended post-procedure care?
The treated area should not be wet for 24 hours after the procedure. The patient will have to regularly treat the scar with silicone gel until the skin fully recovers. Avoid exposing the area to sunlight and use sunscreen at all times for at least 1 month. Strictly following the physician’s instructions will help avoid any possible complications.
How many procedures should I undergo and how often?
The number of procedures necessary to achieve the desired effect is patient-specific and depends on the scar’s severity. Usually, it takes from 3 to 5 procedures to achieve the desired effect. The procedures are performed once per month or every two months, and the skin’s condition improves throughout the year following the first procedure. No maintaining therapy is necessary.
