What is Laser Scar Removal? 

Scars can be a lasting reminder of past injuries, surgeries or skin conditions like acne. For some people, scars can be embraced as part of their wider story, but some will seek effective scar treatment to regain more even-toned and smoother skin. Increasingly, as the cosmetic industry becomes more popular, a greater range of options becomes available to consumers. Among these options is laser scar removal, one of the most in-demand and advanced treatments in dermatology. But what is it, and how does it compare with other products like scar removal cream? Find out more in What is Laser Scar Removal? 

What is a scar? 

Scars are natural and a part of the body’s response to an injury. In the simplest case, the body produces an excess of collagen fibres when the skin is damaged to heal and close the wound. However, there is more than one type of scar, with some responding more receptively to scar treatment. The different types of scars include: 

• Acne scars – the severity of acne scars can depend on the individual’s skin sensitivity and the severity of their acne. Most acne scars will fade with time, but some may be classed as Atrophic scars, which can be more difficult to treat as they have more scar tissue. 
• Keloid scars – Keloid scars are generally thicker, can be red or purple and cause an itchy sensation. 
• Stretch marks – though stretch marks are a similar bodily response to injury, the skin is not cut to create them. These scars result from the body fluctuating or changing in a short period of time. 

What is laser scar removal treatment?

Laser scar removal is a procedure that directs focused beams of light into the skin to reduce the appearance of scar tissue. It encourages the skin to produce more healthy skin cells and even the skin tone. Like the types of scar, there is a selection of laser treatment options available, including: 

• Advanced Micro-needling with Radio Frequency (RF Microneedling) is a device that often contains hundreds of thin needles that penetrate the skin and cause the body to release new collagen to heal the area. Whilst the needles puncture the skin, the radio frequency (RF) device delivers energy into the deeper layers of skin tissue, further encouraging collagen production. 
• Diamond Dermabrasion is a handheld device which carefully exfoliates the skin and sucks away any dead or damaged skin. This process increases blood flow which also helps to boost collagen production. 
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a device that releases multiple wavelengths of light that are absorbed into the skin. It targets specific cells that create the appearance of a scar and it damages or destroys them without harming the surrounding cells.
• Vascular Lasers release a single wavelength of light that is absorbed by red blood cells. The blood cells become damaged and are then reabsorbed into the body.  

So, does laser treatment completely remove scars? The answer depends on the severity of the scar, but with these advanced treatments, it is common for the scar to reduce in visibility massively or to disappear completely. 

How does it compare to other treatments? 

Most other treatments involve a skin ointment, cream or peel. For many, these options are a first port of call and they can take significant time to reduce the appearance of a scar even slightly. Creams and ointments can be effective for fresh scars, especially when used routinely. However, for older scars or more prominent scars (like Keloids), creams may never produce the desired response.

Is it for you?

For many patients, this procedure is life-changing. It can greatly improve an individual’s esteem or allow them to move on from past accidents, injuries or decisions. In this sense, the decision is not only about improving physical appearance but also about prioritising mental health.

.Cent Magazine London. Luxury Mindset