Laser Scar Treatment
Scarring is the process by which wounds are repaired. Damage to the deeper layer of the skin, the dermis, is required to produce a scar. Damage to only the epidermis, the most superficial layer of skin, will not always produce a scar. Scars produce a structural change in the deeper layers of the skin which is perceived as an alteration in the architecture of the normal surface features. It is not just a change in skin color.
The benefits of lasers for cosmetic treatments
Lasers are commonly utilized for a wide variety of cosmetic treatments and are an extremely effective way to treat unwanted hair, stretchmarks, wrinkles and varicose veins.
Some people can be put off the idea of laser treatment, often assuming it’s dangerous and/or painful. The truth is that laser cosmetic treatments are extremely safe and have been used to treat common skin problems for years.
What are the different types of scars?
Keloid scars: These scars are the result of an overly aggressive healing process. They extend beyond the original injury. Over time, a keloid scar may hamper movement. Treatments include surgery to remove the scar, steroid injections, or silicone sheets to flatten the scar. Smaller keloids can be treated using cryotherapy (freezing therapy using liquid nitrogen). You can also prevent keloid formation by using pressure treatment or gel pads with silicone when you are injured. Keloid scars are most common among people with dark skin.
Contracture scars: If your skin has been burned, you may have a contracture scar. These scars tighten skin, which can impair your ability to move. Contracture scars may also go deeper, affecting muscles and nerves.
Hypertrophic scars: These are raised, red scars that are similar to keloids but do not go beyond the boundary of the injury. Treatments include injections of steroids to reduce inflammation or silicone sheets, which flatten the scar.
Acne scars: If you’ve had severe acne, you probably have the scars to prove it. There are many types of acne scars, ranging from deep pits to scars that are angular or wavelike in appearance. Treatment options depend on the types of acne scars you have.
Available treatments with the Icon™ Aesthetic System
The Icon™ Aesthetic System is a technology that combines multiple devices that are used for laser cosmetic treatments. We use the Icon™ Aesthetic System to offer our patients a variety of treatments. These include:
- Acne and surgical scar treatment – Scars can make a person feel very self-conscious, particularly if they’re in prominent areas of the body. Laser treatment can be used to lessen the appearance of scars, whether they’re as a result of acne or surgery.
- Stretchmark treatment – Stretch marks are a very common side effect of pregnancy. They are caused by the skin rapidly stretching as the pregnancy progresses. Stretch marks can also occur as a result of obesity. In either case, they can be treated effectively by using lasers.
- Wrinkle reduction – Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process but for many people they’re an unwelcome reminder of their age. Wrinkles can become visible as early as your 30s and can seriously affect your self-esteem. The good news is that laser treatment is a very effective means of reducing the appearance of wrinkles and restoring a more youthful look.
- Leg vein clearance – Leg veins tend to become more prominent with age and can be made worse by weight gain. Reducing the appearance of these veins is now very possible using laser treatment, allowing patients to regain their confidence and feel comfortable wearing more revealing clothes.
- Permanent hair reduction – Unwanted hair can be very embarrassing, whether it’s on the face or body. Laser treatment is a unique way to get rid of unwanted hair in that it offers a permanent rather than temporary solution, such as waxing and shaving. It works by sending a small current to the hair follicle, which destroys it and means that hair will no longer grow in this area.
frequently asked questions
What causes a scar?
The normal healing process in human tissue results in a scar.
What are symptoms and signs of a scar?
Scars occur at the site of tissue damage and appear as firm red to purple fibrous tissue that over time usually becomes flatter and lighter in color.
How are scars diagnosed?
Scars are almost always diagnosed by visual inspection. There are a number of rare situations when it may be necessary to examine scar tissue under the microscope to confirm its true identity. This would require a biopsy of the skin and may require the injection of a local anesthetic. Sometimes other skin conditions can form in a scar and require a biopsy in order to be diagnosed.
Does insurance coverage apply to scar treatments?
Most medical insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures. If scarring has produced a change that is deemed other than cosmetic, it is reasonable to expect coverage, for example, when scarring is the result of trauma. Occasionally, this question may be open to dispute so it can be helpful to have a physician’s office intercede with the carrier prior to performing the procedure.
Before & After
If you’d like more information about the treatments we offer with the Icon™ Aesthetic System; or you’d like to book a consultation then get in touch and we’ll be able to answer any of your questions.