About Laser Treatment for Removal of Facial Scars

Scars can develop on the face as a result of injury, surgery, illness, burns or acne. Although facial scars are permanent, sometimes they can be diminished in appearance by laser treatment. This treatment is a process of using intense laser light to soften or remove the upper layers of the affected skin. Several different types of laser treatments are available to patients.

How It Works

The goal of laser treatment is to improve the skin by resurfacing the top layers. While it can't completely erase scars, it will help to flatten and smooth them out. The laser is a high-energy beam of light that evaporates or tenderizes the top layers of the skin. This tightens the collagen underneath and stimulates the growth of new, healthier skin. The laser can also lighten redness and discoloration, which benefits those with sun damage or birthmarks.

Preparation for Treatment

A cosmetic surgeon performs laser treatment and will require a consultation visit before the procedure. The doctor will determine which treatment is most suitable for the patient and may recommend some special preparation. For instance, the patient may have to briefly discontinue certain medications in order to avoid complications. The doctor may also prescribe medications that will aid the laser treatment.

Treatment and Recovery

Laser treatment is an outpatient procedure and lasts an average of one to two hours. The patient will be given a general or local anesthetic for the procedure, so it is important that the patient has a third party present to provide transportation. After the treatment is finished, there will likely be redness and swelling where the laser contacted the skin. Antibiotic ointment can aid the healing process over the following days and weeks, while the surgeon will monitor the results during follow-up visits.

Expected Results

Those who are considering laser treatment for facial scars should have realistic expectations of the results. Some patients will see a drastic improvement with only one procedure, while those with more extensive scarring may require further treatment. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the full impact of the procedure may not be apparent for a month or two. The skin should be allowed to completely heal before the patient undergoes another treatment.

Types of Laser Treatment

There are several different kinds of laser treatments that are currently being offered to patients. One is fractionated laser resurfacing, which is administered with a Fraxel laser. This advanced method uses microscopic laser beams to impact deep, mature scars. The Fraxel laser also helps to encourage the growth of new, healthier skin. The recovery time is short and most of the redness and swelling is gone in a few days.
Ablative CO2 laser treatment softens or removes the top layers of a scar to reveal healthier skin. Also known as "laser-peeling," it is one of the more long-lasting methods for removal of facial scars. Recovery time is varied with this treatment, as some patients may require a more invasive treatment than others.
Non-ablative laser treatment is another popular procedure. It is administered with either the CoolTouch or NLite laser. Non-ablative laser treatment is considered to be a mild procedure that should not result in the removal of skin. The down time with this procedure is minimal. However, it may require several treatments before maximum results can be seen.

References

• University of Michigan Health System on Laser Treatment Options
• University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center on Laser Facial Resurfacing
• The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery on Laser Treatment