What types of scarring can be treated by laser resurfacing?
Contour Clinics have a comprehensive range of scar reduction lasers that may be suitable for most types of scarring including:
What are the most common scars Contour Clinics treat?
Common scarring we see at Contour Clinics include:
- Post surgical scars
- Traumatic scars from any cause
- Piercing scars
- Scars from burns
- Scars on the face
- Self harm scars
- Hypertrophic scars
- Keloid scars
- Acne scars
- Chicken pox scars
What is fractional laser resurfacing?
Fractional laser resurfacing is a non-surgical skin treatment that uses laser energy to target small, evenly spaced areas of the skin surface. This controlled method creates tiny, microscopic treatment zones, leaving surrounding skin untouched, which helps speed up healing and recovery.
Fractional lasers stimulate the skin’s natural healing process, prompting the production of new collagen and elastin fibres. This process can help improve the appearance of scars, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, and pigmentation.
Common fractional lasers include fractional CO2 lasers (ablative, deeper resurfacing) and fractional non-ablative lasers (such as the 1540), which gently treat the skin with minimal downtime.
Your clinician will determine the most suitable fractional laser resurfacing method for your specific skin concerns during your consultation.
You can watch Dr Josh Wall explain fractionated laser here.
What are the advantages of using fractional laser to treat scars?
The advantage of fractional treatments over full field ablations include a quicker healing time, with less risk of side effects including burns/worsening of scars/oozing/infection.
Laser in general has advantages over other forms of energy based devices in that it creates both superficial and deep skin lasers for a full scar removal/resurfacing treatment.
How many sessions of laser scar removal will I need?
This will depend on the severity of you scarring, goals of treatment, and modality selected. As a general guide, most scars will require anywhere from 2-5 sessions spaced 4-8 weeks apart.
What types of scar removal treatments are offered at Contour Clinics?
Contour Clinics comprehensive range of scar reduction lasers include:
- Fraxel laser (1927 and 1550 wavelengths)- These are ideal for all forms of scarring including traumatic, surgical or acne scars.
- Icon 1540 fractional non-ablative laser- similarly effective as the 1550 fraxel
- Deep laser resurfacing with 1064 Nd:YAG laser- Suitable for all skin types
- Morpheus8 RF needling: Using radiofrequency energy delivered by 24 micro needles, Morpheus8 RF needling causes an intense collagen stimulation and scar removal at a deep level.
- Q-switch lasers- suitable for mild scarring in all skin types.
- Dermapen skin needling – low cost option for mild scarring.
- Corticosteroid injections -suitable for raised hypertrophic or keloid scars
Why do people scar differently?
Scarring is normal and part of a spectrum of natural skin healing.
Some of us experience excessive healing leading to keloid or raised hypertrophic scars, while others under heal leading to atrophic depressed thin scars.
The main factors for these differences are age, skin quality, genetics, skin type and wound site.
How do I prevent future scarring?
Early treatment of scars is key. Options to ensure you experience the best possible outcome include:
- Careful adherence to post surgical aftercare advice. Tension on wounds often increases your risk of scarring, care to avoid excessive wound tension in the early part of healing is essential. This includes avoiding strenuous activities in the post opertative period
- Silicone dressings, compressive tapes and pressure dressings
- Early intralesional steroid injections in those scars with a raised lumpy, bumpy appearance
- Early laser to remove redness and remodel new collagen
