How Does Laser Scar Treatment Work?

Laser scar treatment works using a sophisticated laser designed to reduce or remove most types of scars. During your laser scar treatment procedure, the doctor will press a special laser device to your skin. It emits laser pulses, which vaporize very thin layers of your skin. Underneath the scar, this laser will reveal healthier and smoother skin. The premise is not unlike the sanding of a tabletop to remove rough spots. This procedure is also done on scar-free skin, where it is called laser skin resurfacing. Laser methods can dramatically reduce the appearance of your scar, helping it to blend in with the surrounding skin.

Several different types of lasers are used during laser scar treatment; the doctor will choose the best one to use based on your skin type and the scar. The lasers used are not all alike, although most are used in the same manner. There are three main types of scars; different lasers have been designed for each one. For severe scarring, a more intense laser may be needed. However, you may wish to opt for more treatments instead of a more powerful laser if this is the case. More powerful lasers are able to penetrate the skin deeper than other kinds of lasers; this may increase your risk of side effects. For this reason, make sure you understand the implications of your doctor's choice of laser technology.

During the procedure itself, everyone in the room will need to wear protective eye-wear to shield the eyes from the laser. Then, your skin will be covered in a cooling gel, and possibly treated with an anesthetic if the scar is in a sensitive location. You may be given pain medication, but many patients report that the procedure is not too painful. If you are worried about the pain, you can take over-the-counter pain medication just before the procedure.

The lasers used for scar treatment are very precise, so little surrounding skin should be affected. During the procedure, the doctor holds a laser device to your skin. This device emits laser pulses, which are absorbed by the skin, vaporizing the top layer. As each laser pulse enters the skin, you will probably feel a slight stinging sensation. Small scars can be treated in a ten or fifteen minute laser session, while larger or more severe scars could take longer. Most patients undergo several treatments to obtain further reduction in the size and visibility of the scar.

Margaret Richards is the author of the laserscartreatmentguide.com Laser Scar Treatment Guide which has more advice about the many aspects of laser scar treatment; the advantages of this procedure, the possible risks, the procedure side-effects, and laserscartreatmentguide.com/how-laser-scar-treatment-works how laser scar treatment works.