Is Laser Scar Treatment Suitable For Me?
by Margaret in Laser Scar Treatment
Laser scar treatment is an excellent option if you have an unsightly scar or if your scars make you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. Realistically, it can only reduce, rather than completely remove, the scar. However, particularly with small or minor scars, afterwards the scar might not even be visible to you. Still, it is important to have realistic expectations when deciding to undergo laser treatment for scarring.
Laser scar treatment is an elective procedure, and it is available to adults so long as they don’t have medical complications. It is not available for teenagers; scars take several years to fully heal, so you should wait until you’re over 18 to consider the procedure. If you take Accutane for acne treatment, you’ll have to wait until you’ve stopped using the medication for a year, because Accutane can cause scarring after laser treatment. If you have skin conditions including psoriasis, dermatitis, or cystic acne, the procedure is not recommended. At the very least, the area to be treated must be free from skin infections.
The procedure works better on those with lighter skin than on those with darker skin because of the way the lasers work. If you do have darker skin, understand that you are more likely to develop hyper-pigmentation in the treated area after a laser treatment procedure.
Many types of scars, including Atrophic, Hypertrophic, and Keloid, can be treated by laser.
- Atrophic scars, usually caused by skin conditions such as acne, resulting in depressed areas in the skin.
- Hypertrophic scars are pink and raised. They stay within the initial wound area, and may grow smaller over time.
- Keloid scars are raised and reddish-purple, and may extend outside the area of the initial wound.
Newer or shallower scars may respond better to the laser treatment than older or more severe scars. On the other hand, it’s important to let your scar fully heal before considering laser treatment. Many scars will grow smaller or less noticeable with time. With multiple treatments, even the appearance of severe scars can be greatly improved.
If you’re like most people considering laser scar treatment, cost will be an important consideration. Insurance will only cover the treatment in specific cases where the scar is physically affecting you, such as a burn. However, in most cases you’ll have to pay out of pocket for the treatment. The cost varies widely based on the size and type of the scar as well as the number of treatments you undergo. When deciding if laser scar treatment is right for you, be sure to consider how you will pay for it.
If you are interested in laser scar treatment, schedule a consultation with a dermatologist who is trained in laser treatments. They will take a look at your skin and the scar you want removed, and will determine the best course of treatment for your individual situation.
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