Laser Scar Treatments Can Reduce Scars

Got an unsightly scar somewhere on your body? Severe acne, surgery, an accident, pregnancy are some of the situations can leave your body marred. Whatever the cause, you are self-conscious about it and want it gone, or at least less noticeable. You've tried everything - creams, oils, pills, body treatments - or at least you thought you had tried everything.

Maybe you've never heard of it or it just sounds scary, but laser scar removal is very efficient and effective in greatly reducing the appearance of the scar. Understanding how it works will help you see the benefits and relieve any anxiety you may feel about going under the laser.

First of all, there are different types of lasers that are effective and used in this process. A CO2, an Erbium and a pulsed dye laser are the three that work best. Your doctor will evaluate the type and severity of your scarring to determine which method will work best for you.

For example, thick raised keloid or hypertrophic scars need a more intense laser, like the pulsed dye, whereas acne marks respond better to a CO2 laser treatment.

You may recognize the names of these lasers if you've had any skin resurfacing treatments. That's because they are also used for smoothing and tightening the skin, but the way they work makes them effective for scar removal as well. No matter which method is used, they all work in basically the same way. Here's how:

1. The area is treated with a local anesthetic to reduce the pain. You may also be given pain medication. If the treatment area is extensive, a general anesthetic may be used.

2. Once the area is numb, the laser is concentrated only onto the scarred area. It is moved over the area, slowly killing or vaporizing the tissue. Surgery time can take up to 1 ½ hours depending on the size of the treatment area.

3. How deeply the tissue is penetrated depends on the method used. For keloids, the pulsed dye is more intense and deeper.

4. Because the surgeon can pinpoint the exact location for treatment, the surrounding skin is not affected or damaged in any way.

5. The procedure is repeated until desired results are achieved. The number treatments needed are determined by the severity of the scarring and at what point you are comfortable with the appearance.

For really severe marks, laser treatments can greatly reduce the appearance and improve your confidence. If the area is light or less severe, treatment can reduce the appearance so much no one will even notice it.

Make sure your surgeon is certified and licensed to perform such treatments. Ask him how many procedures he has performed and what the results were. Seek out referrals and testimonials before committing to one surgeon.

Because there are risks, either from the anesthesia or hyper pigmentation from the procedure, having an experienced surgeon perform the procedure reduces the risk. No more hiding behind tons of make-up or clothing. Laser scar removal gives you the confidence to let the real you shine.]

source: ezinearticles.com