Laser scar remodelling is a safe and effective treatment for softening, flattening and fading overgrown and discoloured scars following injuries or surgical procedures.
Also known as
How it’s performed
The scar is treated with a fractional laser. This type of laser treats the skin by creating many extremely fine holes. These holes serve several purposes: Breaking up collagen (tough fibrous tissue), stimulating growth of new normal skin (i.e. not scar tissue) which “remodels” the scar, creating tiny channels for the delivery of medication into the scar. If the scar is large, you may need a topical anaesthetic cream to be applied an hour before your procedure. Because the majority of the scar (i.e. in between the holes) is not damaged during treatment, recovery is quick and comfortable.
Preparing for
Laser scar remodelling
Avoid sun exposure and any tinted products on the scar for several weeks before treatment.
Side effects and complications
Bleeding, inflammation and redness, soreness. Increased pigmentation may occur in people with darker skin types.
Follow-up
Return to the clinic after 6 weeks. Your doctor will examine the scar to assess the treatment results and decide what further treatment may be required. Usually, 4-6 sessions of treatment are necessary for maximum effect.
Aftercare
Contraindications
Pregnancy, photosensitivity, light-induced migraines or epilepsy, medication that causes light-induced rash or skin sensitivity.
Warnings
Laser treatment can result in reduced hair growth in the treated area. We recommend not treating areas where you want to maintain full hair growth. Many of the scars treated by laser are long term, and cannot be cured with a single laser treatment course. Laser is an extremely bright light which can be damaging to eyes. Protective eyewear must be worn at all times during laser treatment.