Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, facial scarring no longer has to be permanent. Laser scar removal treatments are designed to remove scar tissue to leave your skin looking natural and healthy.
However, laser treatment is no joke and needs to be taken seriously. Medical lasers are powerful and can have side effects. So we put together this list of important factors to consider before opting to get laser scar removal treatment.
It Can’t Remove Scars
Unfortunately, laser treatment cannot literally remove a scar as in replacing the scar tissues. However, it can significantly reduce scar formation, improve elasticity around scars for greater mobility, and reduce pain, itching, and raised visual appearance. So laser treatment can make a scar significantly less visible, but it cannot completely remove scar tissue.
You Need Medical Consultation Beforehand
Medical laser therapy is a serious procedure that can have many side effects and complications. As such, you must consult a medical professional before getting laser therapy. A medical consult is necessary to determine your skin type, existing medical conditions, scar characteristics, your health, and more. Your dermatologist will ask you questions about your health and whether you have any skin conditions, take medications, and what kind of results you expect from treatment.
You Might Have to Change Your Lifestyle Beforehand
Laser therapy can cause changes in your skin, so it’s vital that you prepare your skin for the treatment. Before getting laser therapy, your doctor might recommend you do any of the following
- Quit smoking
- Stop taking vitamin E and other medications
- Quit using retinol for 2-4 weeks
- Avoid sunlight and tanning
- Stop taking cold sore medication
Failure to take the recommended steps by your dermatologist could result in difficulty healing and reduced effectiveness of the procedure.
You May Need Multiple Treatments
In order to get the best results, you may need to return for multiple laser treatments. Laser treatments are more effective when applied in rounds and the results will be longer-lasting. Specifically, non-ablative laser treatments usually require more than one treatment session.
Sun Protection is Very Important
Prolonged sun exposure can damage scar tissue and can undo laser treatment effects. You must limit your sun exposure until after the scar treatment has fully healed. You also will not be able to get treatment if you have a sunburn or a tan as this could cause your skin to become discolored.
The Treatment May Involve More Than Lasers
Dermatologists might use more than one kind of treatment therapy to get the best results. For example, lasers can be used to remove scar visibility, but something like deep acne scars might require a filler along with laser treatment. The kinds of treatments that you may need to get will depend on your skin type, the characteristics of your scars, and more. Every treatment will be unique.
It Takes Time to See Results
You will not see results immediately. The point of laser therapy is to remove outer scar tissue and stimulate the growth of new skin cells. It takes time for those skin cells to grow so it will take time before you get noticeable results. You should start to see results in a few months. The good thing is that laser scar removal results are permanent.
Insurance May Not Cover it
Laser scar treatment can improve your quality of life by reducing irritation and improving facial movement. But most insurance companies consider laser scar removal to be a cosmetic procedure and so it is usually not covered by insurance.
If you are interested in laser scar removal therapy, then read more about our services here!
Start Your Laser Treatments at Rejuv
Rejuvenation Laser & Skin Center provides a variety of non-surgical procedures all designed to reduce wrinkles, remove blemishes, and renovate your skin so that it is fresh, youthful, and glowing. Schedule your consultation with a specialist today.