What types of scarring can be treated by laser resurfacing?
Unlike lasers used at skin clinics, Contour Clinics advanced lasers can treat all types of scarring including:
- Acne scarring- see our acne scarring page
- Hypertrophic scars
- Surgical scars
- Keloid scars
- All types of facial scarring
What are the most common scars Contour Clinics treat?
We see a large volume of scar reduction treatments each day. Common scarring we see 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 treats only a fraction of the skin each session. Thousands of micro laser columns deliver a controlled microdamage to the skins deeper layers. By treating only a fraction of the skin, healthy untouched skin is able to help speed healing. This leads to faster, safer scar removal treatments.
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 remodelling/resurfacing treatment.
Is laser scar removal effective?
Yes. If medical grade lasers, delivered by trained professionals are used laser scar removal is very effective.
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.
Can laser scar removal cause cancer?
No. There is no evidence any form of laser used at Contour Clinics causes cancer.
What types of scar removal treatments are offered at Contour Clinics?
Contour Clinics have one of the most comprehensive ranges of scar removal treatments in the country. Our scar removal technologies 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, with less pain and slightly less downtime. Results Comparable to fraxel.
- Deep laser resurfacing with 1064 Nd:YAG laser- Great for all skin types, with no downtime and minimal pain.
- Morpheus8 RF needling: Using radiofrequency energy delivered by 24 micro needles, Morpheus8 RF needling causes an intense collagen stimulation and scar remodelling at a deep level. This is perfect for deeper set scars.
- Revlite q-switch lasers- great for mild scarring in all skin types. This has the added benefit of an intensive collagen stimulation. Downtime is the lowest of all laser scar reduction treatments at 1-2 hours of redness.
- Dermapen skin needling – this is a good low cost option for mild scarring.
- Corticosteroid injections – these are perfect for raised hypertrophic or keloid scars
Why is the brand of laser one of the most important considerations when you are choosing your scar removal clinic?
Not all lasers are created equal. Brands such as fraxel, icon, revite, morpheus8, dermapen have all gone through rigorous TGA testing and approval process. These devices cost our clinics 10x what a generic beauty clinic level device would cost. This means consistent, effective and safe treatments delivered every time.
Expert clinicians delivering gold standard device treatments. That is the Contour Clinics Guarantee.
Can scars be improved or removed?
Yes. The majority of surgical and traumatic scars can be significantly improved. Surgical scars often show the biggest improvements of up to 80-90%.
Recent scars on the face respond best, while older lighter scars on the limbs respond slowest.
Some scars require 1 treatment, whilst others require multiple for complete results.
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
