Scars deliver not only physical, but also psychological discomfort, especially if they are located on the face or well-marked areas of the body. Laser therapy is considered the most effective way to get rid of these shortcomings. Its effectiveness and final result depends on the prescription, size and type of defects.
Does laser resurfacing help protect against scarring?
Elimination of scars by the method in question implies:
- alignment of the skin relief;
- normalization of color of damaged tissues;
- reduction in the severity of deficiencies.
Absolute removal of scars by laser is a myth. The maximum positive effect is achieved when the scar is smoothed to 80-90% and the hue of the affected skin is restored. Completely get rid of the defect is impossible, because it is located not in the surface layer (epidermis), but in the tissues of the dermis. Its normal cells are irreversibly replaced by connective cells.
When can I do a laser scar?
Described treatment is recommended to be carried out in cold seasons. After the procedures, it is necessary to carefully protect the treated skin from ultraviolet radiation, which can cause hyperpigmentation, therefore laser scar resurfacing is prescribed mainly in autumn or winter. During these periods, the activity of the sun is reduced, and the risk of dark spots in places with scars is minimal.
In addition, it is important to consult a surgeon, after how much you can do laser resurfacing of scars. Experts advise to begin therapy 4-6 months after the onset of pathological changes in tissues and suturing. In some situations, the acceleration of treatment is allowed, it depends on the type of defect and the skin's ability to regenerate.
Laser abrasion of atrophic scars
This type of scars are grooves formed as a result of mechanical, chemical damage or strong stretching of the dermis (striae). Often they have a coloration that is different from the color of the surrounding healthy skin. Laser grinding of the atrophic scar provides some leveling of the defect and a decrease in the intensity of its pigmentation. Completely remove such a scar does not work, but after a course of manipulation, it will be seen less.
Laser resurfacing of the keloid scar
This form of defect is similar to a tumor, it is a proliferation of coarctive connective tissue. The scar described above protrudes over the rest of the skin and always has a different color. Removal of a keloid scar by a laser ensures its transformation into a normotrophic form and complete alignment of the epidermal relief. A whole therapeutic course will help to make the skin tone of skin.
Laser resurfacing of scars - contraindications
The purpose of this manipulation is performed only by a dermatologist in accordance with the type and size of the scars, the individual characteristics of the patient. Sanding the scars with a laser is temporarily not recommended under the following conditions:
- pregnancy;
- acute inflammatory pathologies;
- relapses of chronic diseases;
- lactation;
- infectious diseases;
- open skin lesions in places of exposure;
- taking certain medications.
Absolutely contraindicated laser resurfacing of scars in such cases:
- psoriasis;
- oncological tumors, precancerous conditions;
- dermatitis;
- severe skin pigmentation;
- pronounced tendency to form keloids;
- diabetes;
- epilepsy;
- systemic diseases of the dermis and connective tissue.
How do laser resurfacing of scars?
There are two types of devices for performing the therapy. Erbium apparatus provokes the evaporation of moisture from the cells, causing them to completely dry and peel. With its help, several layers of skin are gradually "removed", so that the relief of the epidermis is leveled. This removal of the scar by a laser is better suited for the treatment of keloid scars.
Fractional device leaves in the skin microscopic damage - tubules with a depth of up to 1500 microns. This laser resurfacing of scars is performed only in the area of existing scars, does not affect the surrounding healthy tissues. As a result of exposure to the dermis, fibroblasts are activated, active production of elastin and collagen begins. Atrophic depression is covered with a crust and subsequently overgrown with skin.
Laser resurfacing of the scars on the face
Scars in the most conspicuous areas are difficult to disguise with cosmetics, they significantly spoil the appearance and worsen the emotional state, especially in women. Laser facial resurfacing from scars after acne or surgical manipulation helps get rid of psychological complexes. With adequate treatment of scars with a combination of hardware, injection and cosmetic methods of therapy, it is possible to achieve a defect disappearance of 85-95%.
Laser resurfacing of post-acne scars
After getting rid of acne, the face often has grooves with dark pigmentation. Over time, the color of these scars normalizes and does not differ from healthy skin, but the relief is preserved and even aggravated. Laser resurfacing of scars after acne is carried out by fractional devices. Depending on the number and extent of the shortcomings, a course of 4-12 manipulations will be required.
Laser resurfacing of scars after blepharoplasty
Surgical eyelid lift is accompanied by thin incisions, which heal within 4 weeks. During this period, there are pink scars in the places of plastic surgery, they will have to be masked with cosmetic means. After 2-3 months, the stitching zones of the skin lighten, cease to protrude above the surface of the epidermis, and are virtually invisible.
If after 20-25 weeks after the operation the scars remain too noticeable, or you need to correct their color and relief, you can go through a short course of hardware defect removal. Redness after laser resurfacing of scars will last no longer than a week, and a positive result will manifest itself on the 3-4 days. For 3-5 sessions, the depth and size of the scar will be significantly reduced.
Laser resurfacing of scars after a fire burn
This type of damage is very difficult to eliminate due to the nature of changes in the dermal tissue. Against the background of any burns, a keloid scar with fuzzy boundaries is formed. Such a scar is prone to overgrowth, increase in size and deepening. Even if you remove the scar with a laser, the risk of re-formation of keloid tissues remains high, so the surgeons do not give guarantees for the complete removal of the described defect.
To improve the results of the procedure and minimize the chances of recurrence of the scar or its proliferation, an integrated approach is recommended. Laser grinding of burn scars is often prescribed in combination with irradiation of defects and drug therapy. Additional methods of action provide oppression of the growth of keloid cells and prevention of the re-appearance of the scar.
Get rid of small scars or greatly reduce their severity can be in 3-4 sessions with a weekly break. If the area of the lesion is large, it will take up to 11-12 procedures, and a full course of treatment with rehabilitation will take about 4-5 months. Skin treatment is painful, therefore, local (for small scars) or general anesthesia is used during manipulation.
Laser resurfacing of postoperative scars
Surgical interventions are accompanied by tissue incisions and suturing, after removal of which remain unattractive traces. The most popular procedure among women is the laser resurfacing of the scar after cesarean section . Because of contraindications to therapy, including breastfeeding, processing a fresh scar will not work. To prevent the formation of a large amount of connective tissue in place of the seam, experts advise preparing it for manipulation of medication. In the early stages, it is recommended to apply ointments and gels against scarring.
If you want to eliminate the defect after other types of surgical procedures, you can begin treatment after 4-5.5 months from the time of surgery. The faster the treatment of the affected skin with laser radiation is performed, the better the therapeutic effect will be. Fresh scars are easier to soften and smooth, restore the flesh color. Older postoperative defects are more difficult to remove due to their greater depth and density.