Laser Scar Removal
What Is Laser Scar Removal and Why Do You Need It?
Laser scar removal is one of the most sought-after treatments at Meg & Co. We use powerful aesthetic lasers to help break up the scar tissue and stimulate melanin production in your skin cells and often suggest additional Radio Frequency Microneedling to help evenly distribute your melanin and speed the healing of your skin.
What Causes Scars?
Scars are usually the result of an injury or another trauma to your skin. How severe this type of injury is varies, with more significant scarring arising from more serious injuries.
When skin is damaged, available proteins and other resources are transferred to the affected area. Since these injuries are acute traumas, the body’s priority is to recover as quickly as possible and seal the wound to prevent serious infections. This hurried healing process is why scars don’t have the smooth, neat pattern the rest of your skin has.
The Complications of Laser Scar Removal Treatment
While there aren’t often complications with laser scar removal, there are some contraindications and minor risks to be aware of:
- If you have a history of cold sores, laser treatment can induce a flare-up, and if you have a flare-up actively, you shouldn’t receive laser treatment. If this is a major concern, it may be helpful to seek a prescription for an antiviral medication from your PCP prior to receiving laser treatment.
- Milia (sometimes called “milk spots”) are a possible reaction to laser treatment that doesn’t cause any harm but may crop up and be an aesthetic problem. They’re essentially tiny white dots similar to whiteheads. Gentle exfoliation with a warm wet cloth should be able to remove most of all Milia that arise due to treatment.
- Hyperpigmentation can occur in tissues near your treated scar due to the increased collagen and melanin production in your scar tissue. This issue is particularly a risk if you get sun exposure before your skin has completely recovered. This can be dealt with in a variety of ways and is typically much less noticeable than the scar itself. Consult with your technician for advice on how to deal with any unwanted hyperpigmentation as a result of scar reduction.
Treatments Available At
Meg & Co.
LaseMD Ultra Skin Resurfacing
This is the main treatment used for reducing or totally removing visible scars at Meg & Co. Our powerful LaseMD Ultra system can break down most scar tissue in just a few sessions. However, for the most serious of scarring, we suggest supplementing your laser treatment with Genius RF Microneedling.
Genius RF Microneedling
This advanced microneedling treatment stimulates rapid healing in the skin and can be helpful in dealing with the most entrenched scars. Consult with your technician about this option, as it’s possible you can’t receive both treatments at the same time, depending on how sensitive or delicate the scarred area is.
Safety Considerations
Laser Skin Resurfacing
If you’re already prone to acne or another facial skin problem, a resurfacing laser may trigger a flare-up. Consult with your dermatologist before trying a resurfacing laser if you’re prone to acne or facial skin problems. Avoid any excessive irritation or makeup on the treated area until all redness and swelling have completely healed.
Genius RF Microneedling
This treatment can be used on all skin types and skin tones. Microneedling is safe for people who are not pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from an active skin infection. If you have taken or are taking Accutane, are undergoing chemotherapy, or have a compromised immune system, microneedling is not for you. Contact Meg & Co. to discuss what scar treatment options will fit your needs.
Maximizing Results
Be sure to protect your skin for several days after treatment with sunscreen, and avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 hours after treatment to allow your skin to recover. Genius RF Microneedling and LaseMD Ultra will need an initial session followed by maintenance sessions to achieve the best results.
FAQ
What kinds of scars can laser treatment help with?
Laser therapy can help with almost any type of scarring. Some examples of the types of scars we treat every day include
- acne scars
- burn scars
- surgical scars
- injury scars
We assess scars on a case-by-case basis, as laser treatment is best suited to more shallow scars, where the laser can penetrate and break down scar tissue more completely.
How many treatments does it take to remove a scar?
This depends entirely upon your scar. The deeper and wider the scar tissue is, the more sessions and recovery time it takes for the scar to be reduced or removed. Small scars often take as few as 2 or 3 sessions to be substantially improved, with worse scars can take more sessions, though it’s rare for it to take more than 6 sessions.
What other things do I need to do to reduce scars?
While no additional treatment is necessary, it is helpful to allow your scar to heal thoroughly by protecting it from sunlight and providing your treated skin with vitamin-rich moisturizer. Avoid any excessive irritation or makeup on the treated area until all redness and swelling have completely healed.
Meet Your Technician
