Scars are very common skin lesions - almost everyone in the world has some. While small scars do not draw attention, larger ones or those in very visible places can be a problem. For some people the problem is big enough that they decide to get rid of these skin lesions with the help of aesthetic medicine. One of the most frequently chosen ways of reducing the visibility of scars is laser treatment. When is it worth considering, and what results can you expect?
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How does laser scar treatment work?
There are many methods of laser scar treatment, and the choice between them depends above all on the type of skin lesion. Different lasers are used to reduce the visibility of raised scars (hypertrophic scars or keloids) and to remove atrophic scars (which form mainly after acne or chickenpox).
Two types of laser are most commonly used in scar treatment:
- vascular - the emitted waves are selectively absorbed by oxyhaemoglobin, which inhibits the proliferation (multiplication) of fibroblasts and reduces connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). For this reason they are used to treat erythematous and hypertrophic scars,
- fractional - they work by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin with a laser beam. The resulting grid of microcolumns surrounded by healthy, intact tissue stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin. As a result of the regenerative processes, the depth of the scar decreases, while the action of the laser on the skin surface smooths the skin, evens out its tone and also exfoliates the epidermis.
What results does the fractional CO2 laser give?
The fractional CO2 laser reduces the visibility of scars, improving the overall appearance and condition of the skin. It should be remembered, however, that the effectiveness of this treatment depends on many factors, above all the type and depth of the scar, the condition of the patient's skin and their individual predispositions. Laser therapy rarely brings results after the first treatment - usually anywhere from a few to a dozen or more visits are needed, several weeks apart. The treatment plan is agreed during a medical consultation.
What can you expect from laser scar treatment?
Many myths have grown up around laser scar treatment. That is why we have prepared a short list to give patients a clearer picture of what this treatment involves.
- Laser scar treatment is a completely safe treatment, but it must be preceded by a medical consultation, during which contraindications to it are ruled out.
- The number of treatments needed for a satisfactory reduction of scars is determined individually. In some cases 3-4 visits are enough, in others a dozen or more treatments will be needed.
- The treatment is performed under local anaesthesia, which makes it painless. Afterwards, however, the patient may feel sore, so it is worth planning the date of the treatment so that you have a day or a few days to rest and recover.
- Side effects associated with laser scar treatment are very rare.
See also the answers to the most frequently asked questions about laser scar treatment.
Would you like to improve the appearance of your skin by reducing the visibility of scars? Book a medical consultation and find out what results you can achieve with the fractional CO2 laser. You can read more about the treatment here: laser scar treatment in Wrocław.
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Sources:
[1] Atta-Motte M., 2022, Zastosowanie laserów w terapii blizn, Aesthetic Cosmetology and Medicine, 1 / 2022 / vol. 11
[2] Ruprich M., Szostek B., 2023, Terapie i metody niwelowania blizn, Zeszyty Naukowe Akademii Górnośląskiej, nr 8/2023
[3] Szczepanik-Kułak P. et al., 2020, Application of fractional laser in the treatment of scars, Dermatol Rev 107