Laser removal of scars and scars: what it is, features, how it happens

Scars on the skin occur after injuries, burns and inflammations (boils, pimples). The defect in tissue structure is replaced by connective tissue. This happens unevenly: it either grows excessively, rising above the skin, or it forms scars. Since not all scars can be completely eliminated, removal implies correction and resurfacing.

Advantages of laser scar removal

Laser correction has such advantages:

• The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.
• Local anesthesia relieves the discomfort of laser manipulations.
• Sessions do not last long, about half an hour.
• The risks of allergies or other adverse effects are minimal.
• The appearance of scars is guaranteed to improve.

How it works

The laser "vaporizes" the surface layer of scar tissue, penetrates deeper into the connective tissue and reduces its volume. This causes the scar to shrink.

By acting on the scars in the form of "pits", the CO2 laser stimulates collagen formation and cell growth. The scar is filled with tissue and smoothed out. The laser acts on the melanin and hemoglobin in the blood vessels, so the color of the scar lightens in this area.

Different types of lasers are used:

• Erbium lasers remove the top layer of skin, and penetrate deeper tissues;
• Neodymium lasers do not affect the surface layer of the skin, but work in the lower layers.

What the procedure is

Laser scar removal proceeds in the following stages:

• The doctor examines the patient and selects the appropriate type, diameter of the laser beam, depth and duration of exposure.
• If the client wishes, the scar is treated with anesthetic.
• The doctor and the patient wear special protective glasses.
• The specialist directs the laser beam onto the scar and guides it from one edge to the other.
• After the session, a skin soothing agent is applied to the scar.

The procedure lasts 20-30 minutes. After 3-4 weeks the session is repeated. It usually takes 6-8 times to repeat the procedure. After each laser treatment, the recovery period is 3-5 days. Peeling may occur. Your doctor will advise on what to soothe and nourish the skin during this time.

How to prepare

Specialists recommend:

• Before laser scar removal, do not perform laser hair removal, peeling and do not do collagen injections;
• Before the sessions do not take any blood thinning medication to avoid bleeding. Exclude herbal supplements from your diet - garlic, ginkgo biloba;
• Give up smoking, so that the skin recovers better and faster;
• Avoid long periods of exposure to the sun before and after the procedure.

During laser therapy sessions, they try to maintain a balanced diet, increase consumption of proteins and healthy fats, fresh vegetables and fruit. Then the body will have everything it needs for tissue repair. Regular physical activity improves and accelerates the delivery of nutrients.

Contraindications

Laser scar removal should not be performed on patients with the following contraindications:

• Acute rashes in the area of the scar;
• tanned skin;
• photosensitivity;
• tendency to excessive formation of connective tissue;
• Pregnancy and lactation;
• Herpes or malignancy in the treatment area.

Is it worth going through laser scar removal procedures? According to reviews, most patients are satisfied with the result. The scar either disappears completely or becomes barely noticeable.