It might look as though a laser is a magic wand that can erase any scar. But medical lasers are not to be trifled with. Before undergoing laser therapy for a scar, it’s critical to understand some fundamental facts in order to receive amazing results and prevent major adverse effects.
Read More: Scar Removal
1. A scar cannot be removed by laser therapy.
Recent medical advances have made lasers the preferred therapy for many scars among dermatologists. The use of lasers can:
Stop the formation of a raised scar following surgery.
Diminish itchiness and discomfort from scars
If a scar restricts your mobility, expand your range of motion.
A scar cannot be completely removed by laser therapy, although it can be made less apparent. One scar is replaced with a less obvious scar when you undergo laser scar treatment.
2. The laser therapy provider’s abilities have a major role in your outcome.
Dermatologists are leading the way in laser scar research and treatment.
Many different kinds of scars can be safely treated with laser therapy when administered by a board-certified dermatologist.
You could not get the desired outcomes from a laser treatment if the individual doing it lacks training in medicine and specific understanding of the skin. It may even be harmful.
3. It’s imperative to see a doctor before beginning any laser therapy.
Move on if someone offers to cure your scar without first giving you a medical examination.
The person administering your laser therapy has to be aware of you. Everybody is different. The laser technician must take into account your skin type, the features of your scar, and your general health in order to cure a scar efficiently.
Inform your dermatologist during the appointment if you:
Develop cold sores
possess any kind of illness, including diabetes
Fire
Consume any prescription drugs or dietary supplements.
4. It’s important to use sunscreen both before and after laser therapy.
Your dermatologist will not be able to treat you if you arrive for laser therapy already sunburned or tanned. Using a laser might result in a severe burn or skin discoloration.
You will need to wear sun protection after laser therapy until your skin recovers. You may get another scar if the sun’s damaging rays reach the skin you’ve had treatment for.
5. A few lifestyle adjustments could be required prior to therapy.
Dermatologists advise patients to follow these guidelines to ensure optimal healing and outcomes following laser treatment:
Give up smoking at least two weeks before to receiving laser therapy.
Give up using aspirin, vitamin E, and other vitamins and drugs that might impede recovery.
For two to four weeks, refrain from using any skin care products that include glycolic acid or retinoid.
If you are prone to cold sores, take medicine to stop them from happening.
Stay out of the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. If you are sunburned or have a tan, you cannot be cured.
6. Laser therapy might not be the only part of your treatment strategy.
Dermatologists frequently employ several scar therapy techniques to get optimal outcomes for their patients. For instance, a dermatologist could use a laser to heal deep acne scars on a patient. Also possible for the patient is a filler.
7. More than one laser treatment can be required.
A dermatologist may recommend a course of laser treatments in order to provide a patient with the most improvement and long-lasting benefits. This is frequently required when utilizing a non-ablative laser type. With this laser, there won’t be any downtime, but a few laser sessions could be necessary to get the desired effects.
8. You will have to take care of the region that was laser-treated at home.
You can get the greatest results and avoid any side effects from laser therapy by following your dermatologist’s advice for at-home maintenance.
9. It takes time for results to show.
The outcomes of laser scar therapy might take months to manifest, and initially there may not be much of a change.
10. Your insurance might not pay for it.
Scar discomfort and itching can be reduced with laser scar therapy. Laser therapy might help you move more freely if a scar restricts your range of motion. Insurance companies nonetheless see laser procedures as cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic procedures are typically not covered by health insurance.