How does scar removal work

Doctors may use laser therapy as a single treatment or in combination with other approaches to reduce the pain, itching, and appearance of scars. The laser ideally allows new, healthier-looking skin to grow in place of scarred skin. Microneedling is a dermatological procedure that can help with issues such as acne scarring, wrinkles, and stretch marks.

Learn more in this article. A person may develop scar tissue after receiving a wound or undergoing surgery. Scars can present in a variety of ways, and there are several ways to…. There are a number of treatments and home remedies that may help reduce the appearance of the scars and improve the look and feel of the skin. What to know about laser treatment for scars.

How does it work? How can laser treatment help with scars? Which types of scar can it help with? How to prepare. Share on Pinterest A person may not be able to have laser scar removal if they have a tan or sunburn. Are there any risks? Other ways to remove different types of scar. Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help?

Related Coverage. What is microneedling? They basically smooth the skin to improve tone and appearance. These lasers are also used to target blood vessels in the scar tissue and reduce redness. During your consultation, your doctor will decide the best procedure for improving a scar. Your options may include the following:. This type of treatment improves the appearance of scars, warts, and wrinkles. Resurfacing removes the outer layer of skin and eliminates skin cells that have been damaged at the surface level.

Your doctor may use a carbon dioxide CO2 laser for deeper scars, or an erbium laser for surface scars. This procedure also stimulates collagen production and skin cell renewal, which can make your scars appear less noticeable. Infrared heat lasers penetrate the inner layer of the skin. This also stimulates collagen production and cell renewal to replace damaged skin cells.

Laser treatments for scars are outpatient procedures, although the length of procedures vary. You can expect some mild discomfort during treatment. Because this procedure uses light and heat to treat damaged skin cells, you may experience side effects, such as:.

Mild side effects should improve within a few days. See your doctor if you develop signs of an infection, such as increased redness or severe pain. Other signs of a skin infection include developing an abscess or a pocket of pus near the site of the procedure.

Recovery times vary, but it may take 3 to 10 days for your skin to heal. Your doctor will provide aftercare instructions immediately following treatment.

These may include the following:. Laser skin treatments for scars are long-lasting, although results may not be permanent. You may need repeated treatments in the future.

Once you decide to have laser treatment for scars, your doctor will provide information on preparing for your procedure. You may need to make the following adjustments before treatment:.

Schedule a consultation for additional information on pricing and procedure specifics. Active breakouts are frustrating enough, but the scars acne can leave behind can feel downright diabolical. The good news is that acne scars can be…. Birthmarks, freckles, and moles are among the individual characteristics that make us unique, like the wood grain in a piece of burled walnut.

You should carefully consider the pros and cons before deciding to have surgery. As well as the normal risks of surgery, there's also a chance of making the scar worse. If you're considering scar reduction surgery, make sure the plastic surgeon is fully trained and experienced in this type of surgery. Fully discuss the procedure with your surgeon so you're aware of the risks and expected results.

If you have surgery to treat a keloid scar you may need other treatments immediately afterwards to stop the scar growing back larger. These include steroid injections or radiotherapy.

Pressure dressings are usually used under specialist supervision for treating large burn scars or after skin grafts. The aim is to flatten and soften the scars.

Pressure dressings are usually made from a stretchy, elastic material. They're worn over the scar 24 hours a day for 6 to 12 months. They can also be used with silicone gel sheets to improve the appearance of scars over a long period of time. Vitamin E cream is sometimes recommended for managing scars, but there's no medical evidence to suggest it has an effect. But massaging a moisturiser like E45 into the scar will stop it becoming dry and help make it supple. You should also apply sunscreen to your scar as it may be particularly sensitive to the sun.

Page last reviewed: 23 October Next review due: 23 October Treatment - Scars Contents Overview Treatment. Skin camouflage make-up Pharmacies sell make-up that's specially designed for covering scars. Find out more about the Skin Camouflage Service on the Changing Faces website Video: scars - skin camouflage In this video, an expert explains how skin camouflage is used to cover marks and scars.

Media last reviewed: 23 June Media review due: 23 June