Having scars on your body can be unattractive, especially when those scars are visible to other people. You may have developed scars as a result of years of fighting acne, or you may have simply suffered a skin injury that caused a scar. Regardless of the reason, you may consider pursuing a scar revision treatment to reverse the appearance of the scar. There are plenty of treatments out there to consider, but you have to be careful with which one you choose. It’s important to note that a scar revision procedure can improve the appearance of the scar, but it does not completely remove the scar, as explained by Johns Hopkins Medicine. A fractional CO2 laser treatment is widely regarded as being the safest and most effective treatment option available today, and here are some things you should know about it.
Your Body Can Develop Different Types Of Scars
It’s important to understand the type of scar you have on your body to determine which scar revision treatment may be most effective. The different types of scars your body can have include:
- Ice pick scars - these are usually acne-related and are pitted vertically with steep edges.
- Boxcar scars - these scars are round and appear like a skin crater.
- Rolling scars - bands of scar tissue form under the skin with this scar and create an uneven appearance on the surface.
- Hypertrophic scars - these scars can be slightly painful since they are raised. They are usually found on the chest and back.
- Keloid scars - these can occur anywhere on the body and appear as red or pink raised scars as a result of overgrown scar tissue.
- Contracture scars - these are the worst type of scar and they develop when a serious injury happens to the skin, like a burn or severe wound.
Your medical professional will evaluate the types of scars you have on your body and recommend the most appropriate scar revision treatment accordingly.
How A Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment Works
A fractional CO2 laser treatment is the most effective scar revision option available today. It works by sending a laser beam through the layers of skin, creating tiny columns in the skin. Your skin will then go to work naturally repairing those columns by replacing the old skin with new skin. The great thing about a fractional CO2 laser treatment is the treatment is targeted to the specific affected area. This means the surrounding skin is unaffected and can help with the healing process. The laser scar revision treatment also promotes elastin and collagen production so your skin will continue to get firmer and the appearance of the scar will continue reducing over the next several months.
Can Anyone Get A Laser Scar Revision Treatment?
Most people qualify for a fractional CO2 laser treatment since it works on almost every skin type. However, people with immune disorders, connective tissue disorders, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or have other health situations may not be the best candidates for treatments. It’s also important to note that people who currently have acne present on their skin should wait until the acne clears up before pursuing a treatment since it increases their risk of getting an infection. During your initial consultation, your medical professional will discuss your health situation and recommend the safest way to proceed with treatments.
Preparing For Your Laser Treatment
For at least two to four weeks before your scheduled laser scar revision treatment, it’s important to avoid sun exposure as much as possible, including tanning beds. Also, avoid any waxing or abrasive skin treatments and do not use any anti-aging products. Your medical professional may also suggest other ways to prepare for your treatment based on your age, skin type, conditions and other factors.
On the day of your treatment, be sure to have plenty of ice packs available to relieve any discomfort you feel. It’s also important to avoid caffeine consumption for four hours before your treatment. Clean your face gently and have sun protection, like a wide-brimmed hat, available since your skin will be sensitive to the sun after your treatment.
Expected Side Effects
Whether you’re undergoing a keloid scar revision treatment or treating any other type of scar, minor side effects are to be expected. These side effects could include mild skin discomfort, pink-to-red skin for a few days or weeks and minor swelling. In rare situations, your skin could experience pigment changes, excessive swelling or scarring. If you follow the post-treatment care instructions provided by your medical professional, major side effects should not occur.
How Many Treatments Are Needed To See Results?
The number of treatments needed depends on various factors, including your skin type, skin thickness, how severe the scar is, how well your body heals and more. Most people experience significant results with their first treatment and those positive results can last for several months or years. You are not limited to the number of treatments you can receive, but it is recommended to wait for at least four to six months between treatments and only get two areas of the body treated at any time.
Always Work With A Qualified Medical Professional
The most important thing to remember is to always work with a qualified medical professional when you get a fractional CO2 laser treatment. Anyone can own a laser and call themselves a professional, but when you’re dealing with the health of your skin, you can’t leave anything to chance. Ask for the professional’s qualifications and certifications before engaging their services. And as stated by the American Academy of Dermatology, if anyone says they can treat every scar you have without seeing them or giving you a full medical consultation, seek other options.
Skin Deep Laser Services is here to answer any questions you may have about laser scar revision treatments. Your initial consultation will include a series of questions we have for you, and we are always open to answering your questions as well. We use the best laser technology and only employ qualified medical professionals, so contact us today to start the conversation and see if laser scar revision is right for you.