Laser Treatment for Scars: Pros and Cons

Once upon a time, if you suffered from a scar, your best bet was reaching for a tub of Bio Oil and hoping for the best. These days, with incredible advances in aesthetic technology, it’s now possible to treat a variety of scars with powerful laser treatment.

Whether you’re looking to find out information on laser treatment for acne scars, or you’re interested in laser for deep scars, or post-op surgical scarring, this article will give you all the pros and cons of the process. But first, here’s how it works...

Laser Treatment for Scars: How it Works

At Este, we use pixel laser resurfacing therapy for scarring. This fractional laser for scars uses cutting-edge technology to deliver the laser to the skin via a micro-optic lens. This method creates pixel-sized ablation dots on the area of skin that’s being treated. In turn, the laser is able to penetrate deep into the skin.

What’s also great about our pixel laser resurfacing treatment is that we can adjust the level of penetration according to the level of scarring and the treatment required. That means, when you choose Este, you’ll be getting a totally personalised service for your condition.

This treatment works to -

1. Boost the production of collagen
2. Boost skin cell turnover
3. Promote tighter, firmer-looking skin with less visible scarring

Laser for Scar Removal

Our scars tell a story, but sometimes those stories aren’t ones we want to remember. Laser treatment is a powerful tool that can be used to drastically reduce the appearance of your scar – and help you move on from your past. Laser treatment for scarring can help reduce -

• Enlarged pores
• Melasma
• Acne scarring
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Pigmentation marks
• Sunken scars such as old chicken pox scars
• Sun damage

Laser for Acne Scars

If you’ve suffered from problematic acne at some point in your life, chances are you’ll have developed acne scarring as a result. It’s a cruel blow to be dealt – especially as acne alone can have a habit of seriously affecting your self-esteem.

If you’re left with scarring and it’s making you feel miserable, you don’t have to ‘just put up with it’. You can have laser for facial acne scarring, laser for back acne scars, or on any other area of your body that is affected with acne scarring.

Laser for Post-Op Scars

Are you considering laser for breast lift scars or to address the appearance of another post-op scar? It’s a good idea. If you’re particularly distressed by the sight of your scarring, laser can really help to improve the look of it.

It’s suggested that the optimum time to address any scarring is around the six-week mark after you’ve had surgery. At this point, your skin should be healing well, and adding a laser treatment could really help boost things further.

Pros of Laser for Scars

• There’s no downtime
• Can dramatically reduce the look and thickness of your scar
• The procedure is quick – usually around 15-20 minutes depending on the area to be treated
• It’s well tolerated – you should just feel a tingly sensation or warmth to your skin
• Results can be seen after your first session
• It’s non-invasive and you can get on with your day after treatment
• Our pixel resurfacing treatment is non-ablative so your top layer of skin is unharmed

Cons of Laser for Scars

• You may experience side effects such as itching, bleeding, swelling, scarring, pain, and/or redness. Side effects usually go away within 24-48 hours
• Possibility of infection
• You’ll need to stay out of direct sunlight for around 4-6 weeks post treatment
• If you’ve had laser treatment on your face, you’ll need to ditch the make-up while skin heals
• Don’t apply retinol or glycolic acid skin creams for 2-4 weeks prior to your treatment as they will increase your skin’s sensitivity to the laser
• If you suffer from cold sores in the area you’re being treated, you’ll need to take medication to suppress any potential outbreaks after your treatment
• Price – for some people, the price of laser therapy for scars may be outside of their budget

Things to Consider

Laser isn’t suitable for everyone. If you’re a smoker, you’ll need to stop two weeks prior to treatment. If you suffer from light sensitivity, or you take blood-thinning medication, laser isn’t advisable.

The Next Step

Life’s too short to put up with skin you’re not happy in. Book in for a free consultation with the team at Este and discover how we can help seriously improve your scarring with our impressive pixel resurfacing fractional laser for scars.