Laser Scar Removal

If you are concerned about your scars, and often use makeup or clothing to cover them, laser scar removal may be right for you. You will be able to shine with plenty of confidence. Unsightly scars can be caused by acne, accidents, or surgery. It is common to become self-conscious over scars, which are natural and part of the skin's healing process, though very inconvenient.

The skin is treated with a targeted laser beam, during laser scar removal. When you are having this procedure done, safety glasses, to protect your eyes from the beam, will be worn by you and the laser technician. A handheld laser will be used by the doctor o treat your skin with the beam. Pulses are sent to your skin with the laser. It is not painful, but many compare the sensation to a rubber band hitting your skin, while getting laser treatment.

Do not spend a lot of time in the sun for a month after the procedure. You may notice a pigment change in the treated skin and it can also be red, but this is temporary. Results will vary from patient to patient, but most scars are treatable and many find that their scars were reduced up to 80% after using laser scar removal.

It is important to understand the process of laser scar removal before deciding to do it, much like with any medical procedure you are considering. You will need to consult with a dermatologist that offers laser scar removal if you are considering using this method of treatment. You will want your scar removal procedure to have no problems, so choose a reputable doctor.

Discontinue all sun exposure and tanning once you have chosen a doctor and scheduled your appointment. Discuss your personal situations with your dermatologist, because you may need to cease taking medications like antibiotics a few weeks prior to treatment.

Do not use any makeup or lotion around the scarred area on the day of your treatment. At the doctor's office, when you get there, you will be first treated with a gel that will cool your skin. The pain is usually tolerable, but if your scar is in a sensitive area, a local anesthetic may be given. If you are truly concerned about the discomfort, take a pain medication prior to your treatment.

The laser beams will not affect your eyes because you will be wearing eyewear that is protective during your treatment. Your physician will send laser pulses into your skin, using a handheld laser device. It may sting slightly while you receive the pulses. Depending on the type of scar you have, the treatment should take no more than 20 minutes.

The skin around the scar that is being treated shouldn't be affected, as the lasers used for laser scar removal procedure are extremely precise. Your skin will be puffy and inflamed after your procedure. Within a day or two, the swelling and redness will go away, though you will be able to return to your daily routine immediately. Some lasers may go deeper into your skin, so the time that it takes for your skin to recover really depends upon the type that was used. Your skin will recover within two weeks, if not less.

There are medicated creams that promote healing and keep infection at bay, which your dermatologist may prescribe to use during your recovery time. Keep the area that was treated clean and moisturize it frequently. Your skin can be irritated if you scrub it, so try not to use force while washing. If the area that was treated will be hit by the sun, use a sun block.

To evaluate your results, see your dermatologist a few weeks post-treatment. Each scar can take between 3 and 6 sessions to truly fade, so you may want to schedule additional treatments. Allow a month between each treatment appointment so that the healing process can occur on your skin, in between. It is not necessarily possible to make your scars completely disappear, but laser scar removal should minimize their appearance, after the right amount of treatment sessions.