Laser scar treatment - 10 questions about the procedure

Scar removal can be carried out using many methods. Because it is minimally invasive and highly precise, patients are very keen to choose treatment with a fractional laser. This procedure is described in great detail in both medical and popular science literature, but not all the information available online is clear and… true. That is why we are publishing answers to the most frequently asked questions about laser scar treatment!

When should scars be treated with a laser?

Scars are generally not a threat to the patient's health. The wish to remove them is mainly aesthetic, especially when they are in a visible place on the body and stand out clearly from the skin. A laser can be used to remove atrophic scars, including acne scars, post-traumatic scars and chickenpox scars.

However, this method is not used for raised scars, because the production of collagen and elastin would result in hypertrophic scars - the opposite of the intended effect. The method of removing a particular scar is chosen by the doctor, who assesses the lesion during the consultation and rules out contraindications to the treatment.

Is the laser safe?

Yes, fractional laser treatments performed by an experienced practitioner are completely safe. However, it should be remembered that there are contraindications that rule out this method.

The most common ones include: a raised scar, infections and skin diseases at the planned treatment site, a tendency to scarring, taking photosensitising medicines, and pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Does laser scar treatment hurt?

Laser scar treatment is performed under local anaesthesia, which means that the procedure is painless. During the procedure the patient feels only a slight burning or prickling sensation.

During the healing period the skin is more sensitive to touch, and burning or itching may also occur. Using gentle creams (e.g. ones that speed up healing) helps to reduce this discomfort. If after the treatment the patient experiences severe pain or notices a skin infection, they should contact a doctor.

How soon can scars be removed with a laser?

Laser scar treatment is performed once the wound has healed, which usually takes from a few weeks to a few months (depending on its size and location).

Each case should be assessed individually during a medical consultation - it is the doctor who decides whether treatment can begin and which method is appropriate.

What does laser scar treatment involve?

Scar removal with a fractional CO2 laser is a simple, safe and quick treatment - it usually takes from a dozen or so minutes to an hour, depending on the type and size of the scar. The procedure begins with cleansing the skin and applying an anaesthetic cream. The scar is then treated with the laser beam.

After the treatment the patient may feel sore, so they should stay at home and rest for at least 24 hours. It is important not to expose the treated area of skin to the sun for 3 months after the treatment and to apply sunscreen with SPF 50 every day.

How many laser sessions are needed to remove scars?

Scar removal is a process whose length depends on many factors. Usually a course of several to a dozen or more treatments is needed.

Is laser scar treatment effective?

Yes, the effectiveness of laser scar treatment is confirmed by numerous studies and case reports. However, the results depend on many factors, including the type and depth of the scar, the patient's age and their individual predisposition. Proper skin care also plays a major role, including the use of cosmetics and creams recommended by the person performing the treatment.

The effectiveness of laser scar treatment comes from the unique way the device works - the laser beams create a grid of controlled micro-injuries in the skin, surrounded by healthy, intact tissue. This technique stimulates the skin to produce elastin and collagen - the components responsible for firmness and elasticity.

Does the laser leave a scar?

Laser treatment rarely leads to scarring. This can happen if the patient has a tendency to form keloids (which is why this possibility should be ruled out before starting treatment) or does not follow the recommendations of the person performing the treatment.

Can a laser remove a caesarean section scar?

Yes, if it is an atrophic scar. However, two things should be remembered: the treatment can only be carried out once the wound has completely healed, and breastfeeding is one of the contraindications to the treatment.

How long does the skin take to heal after laser treatment?

Skin healing after laser scar treatment usually takes from several days to a dozen or so days, although with more intensive therapy it may take even several weeks. For the first 2-3 days after the treatment the skin is red, and over the following few days it peels.

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Sources:

[1] Szczepanik-Kułak P. et al., 2020, Application of fractional laser in the treatment of scars, Dermatol Rev 107

[2] Elesawy F., 2023, Acne Scars and Fractional Laser: A Comprehensive Review, Benha Journal of Applied Sciences

[3] Wang J. et al., 2024, Efficacy and safety of sequential treatment with botulinum toxin type A, fractional CO2 laser, and topical growth factor for hypertrophic scar management: a retrospective analysis, Scientific Reports

[4] Załęska I., Atta-Motte M., 2017, Laseroterapia w redukcji blizn o różnej etiologii – przegląd literatury [Laser therapy in the reduction of scars of various aetiologies - a literature review], Dermatologia