Laser is like a magic wand that will make scars disappear. However, laser treatment is not fun. In order to achieve good results and avoid serious side effects, it is important to understand these important points before laser scar treatment.
1.Laser treatment cannot remove scars.
Thanks to innovations in recent years, lasers have become dermatologists’ favorite acne treatment method. Laser treatment can:
Prevent scarring after surgery
Reduce scarring and itching
Increase range of motion if scarring restricts movement
Laser treatment can also make scars less visible, but it cannot eliminate them. When you have laser scar treatment, you will replace one scar with another invisible scar.
2.Your results will depend on the skill of the person performing the laser treatment.
Dermatologists are at the forefront of laser research and scar treatment.
In the hands of a board-certified dermatologist, laser treatment can treat many types of scars.
If the person performing the laser treatment has no medical knowledge or understanding of skin, laser treatment will not give you the results you want. It can be dangerous.
3.Medical consultation is important before laser treatment.
If someone promises to heal your scar before giving you medical advice, walk away.
Please give your dermatologist a list of medications and supplements you are taking. You may need to stop taking certain medications for a while to help heal and prevent laser scarring on your skin.
I have a cold
I have illnesses including diabetes
Smoke
Taking medications or supplements
4.It is important to protect yourself from the sun before and after laser treatment.
If you come for laser treatment because you are tanned or sunburned, your dermatologist will not be able to treat you. Laser use can cause burns or skin irritation.
After receiving laser treatment, you should protect your skin from the sun until it heals. If the sun’s rays hit your healing skin, scarring will occur.
5.You may need to make some lifestyle changes before treatment.
To heal from laser treatment and get the best results, dermatologists recommend that patients:
Avoid smoking for at least two weeks before laser treatment.
Avoid taking vitamin E, aspirin, and other medications and drugs that may delay healing.
Avoid using products containing retinoids or glycolic acid for 2 to 4 weeks. If you get colds often, take medication to prevent them.
Avoid sunlight, tanning beds, or sunlamps. If you have rough or uneven skin, you won’t be able to get treatment.
6.Your treatment plan will include more than just laser treatment.
To provide the best results for patients, dermatologists often use more than one scar treatment method. For example, if a patient has severe acne, a dentist may treat the scars with a laser. Patients may also receive fillings.
7.You may need more than one laser treatment.
To provide patients with long-term results and maximum improvement, a dermatologist may consider various laser treatments. This is usually necessary when using a type of laser called a non-ablative laser. There are no downsides to this laser, but you may need more than one laser treatment to see the results you want.
8.You will need to care for the treatment area at home after your laser treatment.
Following your dermatologist’s instructions at home after laser treatment will help you see the best results and avoid side effects.
9.It takes a while for results to show.
It can take several months for laser scar treatment to show results, and you may see very little improvement at first.
10.Insurance will not cover this cost.
Laser scar removal can sometimes reduce the pain and irritation it causes. If your scar restricts movement, laser treatment may help you move more. However, insurance companies may consider laser treatment for cosmetic purposes. Health insurance generally does not cover the cost of cosmetic surgery. If you are considering laser scar treatment, the best way to determine if it is right for you is to see a board-certified dermatologist. You can find someone who specializes in laser surgery by going to Find a Dermatologist – Select a Specialty – Laser Surgery.