Laser Treatment

Many people who suffer from severe scars look for ways to remove them. With the numerous scar treatments available, it is often hard to discern which one will work best. Scar removal can dramatically reduce a scar but never completely removes scar tissue. Regardless of how effective scar removal is, people still want invasive scar removal procedures done for cosmetic reasons. Laser treatment is one type of scar removal that can take care of severe scars.

Laser Treatment for Scars

Laser treatment for scar removal can help diminish large scars. Performed by a physician, it is a type of surgery in which a laser is directed at the scar and any tissue surrounding the scar. Since this is an invasive procedure, doctors usually don’t elect to do this treatment unless all other scar removal methods have failed.

Laser treatments are done by a trained professional who points a laser beam at the scarred area.This is a very powerful and focused beam of light energy that sloughs off the outer layer of skin.

After the treatment, the skin appears renewed and softer. With treatments, the new layer of skin will regenerate and fade the scar. Treatment also causes the skin to appear smoother. The laser can help the skin produce collagen and stimulate the healing of scar tissue. It may take a number of laser treatments over time in order to fade the scar. How bad the scar is dictates the number of treatments and the cost of therapy.

Finding Out if you are a Candidate for Laser Treatment

Laser treatments for scar removal are not for everyone. You will have to be evaluated by a doctor, and it depends on the severity of the scarring and your skin color and condition. People who have fair skin tend to have a better experience with laser treatment of scars. Those with dark skin have less luck with this type of treatment.

Some areas are too dark for the skin to heal properly, and some skin conditions, such as dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema, are contradicted in laser treatments due to the risk of skin damage.

Preparing for Laser Treatment Scar Removal

When getting ready for laser treatment scar removal, there are a few things you must do before going to the doctor. Preparations alleviate side effects and complications from the procedure.

At your first appointment, ask the doctor what preparations are required and if any follow-up care is needed. Make sure you understand what medications are allowed before undergoing laser treatment.

It is important to know if any medications can cause complications during the treatment, such as blood thinners, aspirin and other medications that can raise risks. Ask the professional performing the treatment if there is a risk of more scar tissue forming and how effective the treatment for scar removal may be.

This is so you can carefully consider your options before spending a large amount of money. There are times when laser treatment isn’t completely effective in removing all of a scar. You will notice the scar has lightened significantly. It may be much smoother but not completely gone.

Laser treatment for scar removal is a big commitment, and it is really important to try less invasive treatments first and stick with them for as long as you can. If they are not effective enough for your severity of scarring, find out all you can about laser procedures and understand them before you jump in.