Laser Scar Treatment - What to Expect

As with any other medical procedure, make sure you know what to expect before committing to laser scar treatment. If you are considering the procedure, your first step is to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist who offers it. Choosing a reputable doctor is the most important step you can take in ensuring that your laser scar treatment goes smoothly. Once you schedule the appointment, stop tanning and avoid sun exposure. This will help to make the procedure more effective and lower your risk of side effects. If you are on any medications, discuss these with your doctor, as you may need to discontinue their use a few weeks before the treatment.

Once the day of your procedure has arrived, do not apply makeup or lotion near the scarred area. Once you arrive for your appointment, a nurse or technician will apply a special cooling gel to the area. If the scar is in a sensitive area, an anesthetic may also be used. Although most patients find the pain tolerable, if you are worried about the pain it may be wise to take an over-the-counter pain reliever just before the procedure.

During your laser scar treatment, you will wear protective eyewear so the lasers do not affect your eyes. The doctor will hold a special handheld laser device to your skin, sending a laser pulse into the area. Each pulse may come with a slight stinging sensation, like a rubber band snapping against your skin.

Depending on the size of your scar, your treatment could take 15 minutes up to an hour. After the procedure is over, it will leave your skin red and a little swollen. This should subside within a day or two. Your total recovery time will depend on your body's ability to heal itself, as well as the type of laser used. Some lasers penetrate the skin more deeply than others. While you can resume your normal activities right after the procedure, it may take up to two weeks for the treated area to fully heal.

During the time your skin is healing, avoid the sun and use sunscreen. Your doctor may prescribe a medicated cream for the area. Moisturize often to keep the skin hydrated and promote healing. Do not rigorously scrub the treated area or otherwise irritate it.

Many people choose to have between three and six laser scar treatments on their scar. Of course, you can stop treatment once you feel that the scar has reached an acceptable appearance. It may not be possible to fully remove any trace of the scar.

Margaret Richards is the author of the laserscartreatmentguide.com Laser Scar Treatment Guide, an essential resource for those considering laser scar treatments. Visit laserscartreatmentguide.com laserscartreatmentguide.com/ for more information about what this amazing treatment can do for your scars.