While not a health concern, scars are a cosmetic concern for many.
These marks, whether from acne, injury, or surgery, can impact your confidence and appearance. This begs the question, “What’s the right solution?”
Scar laser therapy is a safe, effective, non-invasive method of reducing their visibility and improving the overall look of your skin.
Treatment makes it possible to restore a smoother, more even complexion.
When your skin is injured, this stimulates the production of collagen to close the wound, leading to scars. This process varies based on injury depth, location, and individual healing factors.
There is more than one type of scar:
There are multiple laser technologies available.
This type of therapy helps reduce the appearance of scars by targeting the skin’s deeper lasers with focused light energy.
The process encourages the production of collagen and promotes skin cell turnover, smoothing scar tissue.
This is a non-invasive treatment that requires little to no downtime for recovery.
Preparation is essential for success.
First and foremost, you should adhere to your provider’s instructions, as they may be tailored for your needs and the type of laser that is being used.
They may recommend stopping or adjusting certain medications, like blood thinners or those that increase skin sensitivity, in the days or weeks leading up to your appointment.
Some skincare products may need to be discontinued as well.
It’s important to refrain from tanning or excessive sun exposure, as this increases the risk of complications.
If you have a history of cold sores, your provider may suggest taking antiviral medicine to prevent outbreaks.
Hydrating your skin by drinking plenty of water and using high-quality moisturizers can help prepare your skin for treatment.
On the day of your visit, you may be advised to forego lotions, makeup, deodorants, and other other products that could interfere with laser effectiveness.
It is not uncommon to feel a slightly warm, stinging sensation during treatment.
If you are concerned about pain, speak to your provider about the application of a topical anesthetic prior to treatment.
Afterward, the area may feel sunburned, You may notice minor redness, swelling, and / or skin flaking and peeling as the cells regenerate. These side effects dissipate quickly on their own.
Many patients require three to six sessions for the best outcome. The number you need depends on the type and severity of scarring and your skin tone and type.
Results do not occur overnight. While you may see some improvement in your skin texture and tone within a week, it can take three to six months to see the final outcome.
As you heal, it’s imperative you follow your provider’s guidelines regarding the do’s and don’ts of aftercare.
This includes protecting your skin from sun exposure, avoiding excessive sweating, and moisturizing your skin to keep it hydrated. Cool compresses help keep you comfortable.
Alcohol and caffeine dehydrate your skin and dilate blood vessels. You are advised to not consume these substances in the days following treatment.
This is an excellent conversation to have with a trustworthy and skilled laser specialist.
Ideal candidates are those who are in generally good overall health with the desire to eliminate various types of scarring.
While laser rejuvenation is FDA approved and has a solid track record of safety, it is not suitable for all patients.
Treatment can trigger a herpes outbreak if you have it and worsen active acne breakouts.
Patients taking isotretinoin and certain photosensitizing medication should speak to their prescribing provider before pursuing laser procedures.
Laser therapy is not typically recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Patients with recent tanning or a sunburn should wait until their skin heals before treatment.
During a consultation, the specialist evaluates your health history. They also assess your skin health and unique needs to create a personalized treatment plan that is safe and effective.
Additionally, you gain clarity regarding procedure details, preparation, aftercare, potential risks, and costs.
Feel free to ask questions and share your concerns during the initial visit.
Vibrant Dermatology & Aesthetics is where advanced laser technology meets beautiful skin!
Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, founder of our state-of-the-art practice, is a Harvard-educated board-certified dermatologist.
Dr. Ip has dedicated her career to making sure her patients achieve healthy skin, and she can do the same for you.
With specialties in medical, surgical, pediatric, and cosmetic deermatology, she offers a broad range of top-tier treatment options for all skin concerns.
We understand that scarring can be embarrassing, and our team wants to help you feel confident.
Contact us at 617-250-0257 to speak with an experienced member of our team or schedule your appointment online at one of our convenient locations in Dedham or Milton today.