Types of Scars Laser Treatments Can Address
Laser scar revision isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure. It can be tailored to suit different scar formations, including:
1. Acne Scars
- Rolling scars, boxcar scars, and ice pick scars are common.
- Shallow boxcar scars improve significantly with fractional ablative resurfacing and laser resurfacing.
- Non-ablative fractionated lasers can target microscopic thermal treatment zones to stimulate collagen in atrophic scars.
2. Surgical and Traumatic Scars
- Surgical scar revision and treating atrophic traumatic scars can improve skin appearance with ablative lasers or non-ablative fractional laser options.
- Surgical scars showed a significantly superior outcome when treated early in the wound healing process.
3. Hypertrophic or Keloid Scars
- Raised, red scars can benefit from pulsed dye laser and intense pulsed light treatments.
- These cutaneous inflammatory processes often require a structured treatment plan to address both size and colour.
Working with an expert in treating scars, such as Mr Ioannis Goutos, allows you and other patients to fully understand the types of laser scar treatment available and why it is effective. Having a scar effectively removed can help leave behind a smooth scar texture.
How Does Laser Scar Treatment Work?
Laser treatment works by creating microscopic thermal treatment zones in the skin. These small, controlled injuries trigger a healing response that:
- Encourages new collagen production
- Smooths the scar texture
- Reduces pigmentation issues
- Promotes regeneration of the surrounding untreated skin
By using fractional laser or non-ablative fractional laser options, the laser treats the scar while leaving surrounding skin intact, helping the skin heal faster with minimal downtime.
What laser treatments are there?
There are various subtypes of laser treatment, all with slightly different treatment niches. These include:
Vascular Pulsed Dye Laser and KTP
The vascular pulsed dye laser (PDL) and KTP is specifically designed to target blood vessels in the skin. It uses a concentrated beam of yellow light to treat vascular lesions, such as rosacea, spider veins, and port wine stains. The laser light is absorbed by the oxyhemoglobin in blood vessels, causing them to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body, with minimal damage to surrounding skin. It’s well known for its precision and low risk of scarring, making it ideal for delicate skin.
Vascular Nd:YAG Laser
The vascular Nd: YAG laser operates at a wavelength of 1064 nm, allowing deeper skin penetration. It is highly effective for treating deeper or larger blood vessels, such as leg veins, facial telangiectasias, and venous lakes. Its longer wavelength means less absorption by melanin, making it safer for darker skin types. The Nd: YAG laser delivers targeted heat to coagulate the vessels without damaging the surrounding tissue.
Erbium Fibre Laser
The Erbium fiber laser is an non-ablative laser often used in skin resurfacing treatments to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage. It precisely targets the superficial and deep layers of skin with minimal thermal damage, promoting faster healing and reduced downtime compared to more aggressive lasers. It’s especially suitable for patients seeking mild to moderate resurfacing with more controlled depth and a lower risk of pigmentation issues.
Carbon Dioxide Laser (CO₂ Laser)
The carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser is one of the most powerful ablative lasers, used to treat deep wrinkles, scars, warts, and skin laxity. It works by vaporising damaged skin layers while stimulating collagen production, offering dramatic improvements in texture and tone. Modern fractional CO₂ lasers leave areas of skin intact between treated zones, reducing downtime while still delivering significant results. This laser is often used in advanced resurfacing procedures.
Q-switched Nd: YAG Laser / Pico Laser
The Q-switched Nd: YAG laser and Pico laser are non-ablative lasers primarily used for pigmentation issues, tattoo removal, and acne scarring. These lasers deliver energy in ultra-short pulses, breaking down pigment and ink particles without damaging surrounding tissue. Pico lasers, in particular, emit pulses in picoseconds, allowing more efficient shattering of pigment with less heat and lower risk of skin damage. Both are excellent choices for treating melasma, sun spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
What Results Can You Expect?
Most patients treated with laser scar treatment see a significant improvement in scar appearance, though multiple sessions may be needed. In some cases, secondary resurfacing or surgical removal may be necessary for optimal results, especially in deep or complex scars.
Scar treated with laser shows a visible reduction in:
- Redness
- Thickness
- Overall prominence
Each final laser treatment is part of a broader treatment plan tailored to your skin type, scar depth, and personal cosmetic concern. In order to receive an effective treatment plan, it is important to work with a specialised plastic surgeon, ensuring the laser treatment is performed to a high standard.
Safety, Downtime & Risks
Laser scar revision is considered a safe procedure, but like any scar treatment, it’s essential to have it performed by a medical professional with relevant medical expertise. Possible side effects may include:
- Temporary redness or swelling
- Risk of cold sore flare-up in susceptible individuals
- Necessitate secondary resurfacing in select cases
At Goutos London, we ensure each patient undergoes a thorough evaluation before beginning treatment.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
If your scar is causing distress – physically or emotionally – it may be time to seek treatment. Whether you’re dealing with existing scars, surgical wounds, or cosmetic imperfections, our experts are equipped with the latest laser technology to deliver noticeable results.
So, Is Laser Skin Removal Effective?
Yes, when done correctly, laser skin resurfacing and laser scar treatment can deliver significant improvement in both the appearance and texture of scars. At Goutos London, we combine cutting-edge treatment modalities with in-depth medical expertise to provide tailored care that addresses each scar with precision.
Click here, call 07908422412, or email INFO@GOUTOSLONDON.COM today to receive the most effective laser scar removal treatment from our exceptional team led by Mr Ioannis Goutos!
