An unsightly pink-tinted scar may bother you, but it is a natural byproduct of your skin's healing ability, according to the DocShop Web site. Many scars fade in color and diminish or virtually disappear in time, but large or thick scars can become a permanent fixture on your skin if you don't seek outside treatment. Laser scar therapy is one treatment that can help reduce the appearance of persistent scars.
Candidates
You may be a candidate for a scar laser removal technique if you have keloid scarring, which is a raised and firm dark red to purple-colored scar that builds up over time; atrophic scarring, which is deep pocketlike scarring that comes from skin conditions such as acne; or hypertrophic scarring, which is a firm and raised pink scar that stays within the wound area and might get lighter over time, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. However, even if you have one of these types of scarring, you may not be a candidate if you have a skin disorder such as cystic acne, psoriasis or dermatitis and you may not currently be able to undergo a procedure if you're taking a medication such as acne-treating isotretinoin, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.
Types
Different types of lasers treat different types of scarring. For example, a pulsed dye laser will utilize a yellow light to level out raised scars or reduce redness in scars such as keloids and hypertrophic scars, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Alternatively, a laser skin resurfacing treatment--which encourages growth of newer and healthier skin--may help improve the appearance of atrophic scars, according to the Mayo Clinic Web site.
The Treatment
The treatment you undergo will depend on the type of scarring you have. Some treatments involve a laser removing the top skin layer to expose newer and healthier skin, which will heal in time and reduce the appearance of scars, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. Other types of lasers will not remove the surface layer but target underlying skin to stimulate the growth of a skin protein called collagen; this will help correct the scar internally, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. The procedure, which uses local numbing but may also involve putting a patient under general anesthetic, may last a few minutes but it could last up to an hour or more.
After Treatment
Your skin's healing speed will depend on factors such as the type of laser, how well your body is able to heal itself and how well you take care of your skin after treatment. Your doctor will give you a series of instructions on proper care of your treated skin. For example, you will need to use a gentle soap to wash your skin and you may need to apply an ointment to keep it from becoming infected and use a medicated cream to induce further healing of your scar, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.
Risks
No type of laser scar therapy is foolproof. You may, for example, develop a skin tone in the treated area that is darker or lighter than the skin around it. You may also develop an allergic reaction or an infection, says the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. You will reduce your risk of serious problems if you find a dermatologist that specializes in laser procedures. Use the resource below, entitled "Find a Dermatologist," to locate a reputable provider of laser therapy in your area.
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