A variety of lasers can be used to treat different types of scars. This article explains these differences, how scars form, and how laser treatment can reduce them.

Laser scar removal represents another popular medical adaptation of laser technology. This laser treatment reduces the appearance of scars by 50 to 80 percent and helps prevent their recurrence.

The wound-healing process begins with inflammation, moves to tissue formation, and ends with modifying specific factors in the anatomy such as collagen. Scars occur when the wound-healing process is disrupted by biological factors such as too much collagen or depleted collagen.

Refined since the introduction of lasers in the 1980s, the laser scar removal technique today can reduce the appearance of keloid scars, hypertrophic scars, and atrophic scars, which have the following characteristics:

• Keloid Scarring: Firm, raised, and reddish-purple scars that extend beyond the initial wound area and builds over time.
• Hypertrophic Scarring: Firm, raised, and pink scars that remain within the initial wound area and possibly naturally regress over time.
• Atrophic Scarring: Depressed pin-like pockets in the skin that can result from skin conditions or diseases such as acne.

People with darker skin types may not be able to use laser scar removal. People who suffer from skin disorders such as psoriasis, cystic acne, and dermatitis may not be ideal candidates. Those using certain medications such as isotretinoin for acne must stop using the medication for six months prior to the procedure.

Consult a qualified treatment provider who has extensive experience and training with the procedure, to discuss your expectations, to understand the treatment process, and to decide whether this procedure is right for you.

During laser scar removal, the laser is moved along the scar. This vaporizes or removes a layer of skin and exposes a more natural-looking skin layer, which heals over time to minimize scar appearance.

Numerous types of lasers are available, each of which has unique benefits:

• The CO2 laser is best suited for acne scarring.
• The Er:YAG laser system is best for treating scar edges and mild acne.
• The 585-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) is often used to treat hypertrophic and keloid scars.

The laser scar removal procedure is often performed under local anaesthesia in an outpatient surgery centre, surgeon's office, or hospital. Sometimes, general anaesthesia (while you are asleep) is used. Time in surgery ranges from a few minutes to 90 minutes. Patients typically return home the same day.

Following the procedure, patients are often advised to cleanse the treated area gently with a mild soap, pat dry, and apply antibiotic ointment and a non-stick bandage. The doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection. Medicated creams can be ordered to help the scar fade. A cool mask may be recommended. Pain and discomfort can be managed with oral medications, if necessary, though most often this is not necessary. Unmanageable pain should be reported to your surgeon immediately.

Your skin's regeneration process can begin as early as four days after treatment. Speed of regeneration depends on the type of laser used, personal anatomy, and adherence to instructions. Normal activities can often be resumed immediately. There will be a return visit for evaluation of the treated area six to eight weeks after treatment.

The most common side effect of laser scar removal is hyperpigmentation, which can be exacerbated from sun exposure. Infection or allergic reactions are also possible complications, which can be addressed with medicated ointments, creams, or oral antibiotics.

Refined since the introduction of lasers in the 1980s, the laser scar removal technique today can reduce the appearance of keloid scars, hypertrophic scars, and atrophic scars, which have the following characteristics:

• Keloid Scarring: Firm, raised, and reddish-purple scars that extend beyond the initial wound area and builds over time.
• Hypertrophic Scarring: Firm, raised, and pink scars that remain within the initial wound area and possibly naturally regress over time.
• Atrophic Scarring: Depressed pin-like pockets in the skin that can result from skin conditions or diseases such as acne.

People who suffer from skin disorders such as psoriasis, cystic acne, and dermatitis may not be ideal candidates. Those using certain medications such as isotretinoin for acne must stop using the medication for six months prior to the procedure.