Reduce the appearance of your surgical scars quickly and effectively with laser treatments.
Surgery can be life-changing but scarring is an inevitable side effect. Scars are the result of the dermis being damaged during surgery – this is the deep, thick layer of the skin. To repair this damage, the body forms new collagen fibres, which is what causes a scar. This is why scar tissue has a different texture to the surrounding tissue.
With the right aftercare and the right surgeon, scarring doesn’t have to be a major concern. What’s more, scars are usually hidden in the natural folds and creases of the skin and they fade over time. However, if surgical scars are affecting your self-confidence and body image, they can be removed without the need for further surgery.
Laser treatments use powerful technology to reduce the look of scars without harming surrounding skin. In just a few easy treatment sessions, your surgery scars are much less visible, leaving behind smoother, more attractive skin.
Cynosure laser systems offer the following benefits:
To determine whether you would benefit from laser treatments for surgical scars, a consultation with a qualified practitioner will be required. Your medical history, skin and goals are evaluated during your consultation to determine whether you’re an ideal candidate. During this time, your practitioner will also tell you more about what to expect during and after treatment.
During your appointment, advanced laser technology is used to target and break down scar tissue that makes up your unwanted scars. As the applicator moves over the affected area, the energy from the laser targets the damaged skin cells, which the body naturally removes over several weeks. The process also stimulates collagen production, which helps to rejuvenate the area.
The average treatment takes about 30 minutes to complete but this depends on the number and size of the scars. A treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs will be discussed during your professional consultation.
You may experience temporary redness and swelling at the treatment site, which should last only a few days. There may also be some mild itching but this will subside within a few hours. Overall, you can expect your skin to feel slightly sunburned after treatment. Speak with your provider to discuss other possible side-effects and the necessary post-treatment care.
The treatment can be performed in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. If you will be treating more than one scar per session, this will also increase treatment times.
Most patients see results in three to seven treatments. The optimum number of treatments can vary, so please work with your provider to develop a plan that is right for you.
Most patients see the scar lighten in colour and become more even in texture. However, this will only be possible after several treatments once the skin has time to regenerate and heal. Patience will be required since results take several months to develop. On the plus side, results are permanent, provided the area isn’t injured again.
For most patients there is no downtime, allowing you to return to your normal activities immediately after. It will, however, be important to keep your skin protected from harsh UV rays as it will be more sensitive than usual. Any redness can be covered up with a mineral makeup if this is a concern.
Prior to your laser session, it’s important to keep your skin protected and moisturised in the two weeks leading up to treatment. This means staying out of direct sunlight and avoiding tanning beds. Any skincare products with active ingredients should also be avoided – your provider will tell you what these are. Any medications and herbal supplements that could thin your blood are not recommended as they could cause bruising and bleeding. Smoking is discouraged. Any treatments that involve peels, cosmetic injections and waxing are not recommended for at least two weeks.
How you care for scars can make a difference but won’t necessarily result in no scarring at all. What you can do to keep scarring to a minimum after surgery is to keep the area moist and protect it from the sun. Being patient and letting the wound heal naturally also helps. Pairing these techniques with the right products and laser treatments is the best approach to scar minimisation.