Aesthetics Services
Laser Scar Reduction
Scars tell a story whether we want them to or not. They can invoke happiness or sadness and may sometimes even cause physical pain in some people. Scars can bother people for both aesthetic and non-aesthetic reasons. At Zest, we offer non-invasive laser scar reduction treatment.
What is laser scar reduction?
Scars occur when our body experiences an injury or trauma and they can either be harmless, or they can cause functional problems. There are three different types of scars, these are:
- Hypertrophic scars: raised scars that are thick and grow within the edges of the wound.
- Keloid scars: similar in appearance to hypertrophic scars (thick and raised) but they grow beyond the confines of the wound.
- Contractures: large scars that pull skin together causing skin tightness.
Laser scar reduction helps to reduce the appearance of an unwanted scar.
How does laser scar reduction work?
Laser scar reduction, also known as laser scar revision or laser skin resurfacing, works by using short pulses of intense light to reduce or improve the appearance of scars. These intense pulses of light cause micro injury to the surface of skin, encouraging your body to produce collagen in order to heal from this “injury”. This results in newer and smoother looking skin, masking the appearance of your scar.
At Zest, we have two types of fractional non-ablative lasers available for laser scar reduction – Fotona Dynamis Twin Light and LTRA Miin Laser. Both lasers work using narrow and precise columns of light to target the epidermis and dermis beneath the scar. This stimulates your body to increase production of collagen which in turn results in smoother skin.
Our doctors also offer collagen fillers and skin boosters for scar revision. Make an appointment with us today, our doctors will be able to advise on the best type of treatment for your scar.
Benefits of laser scar reduction
- Safe and effective
- Non-invasive
- Only targeted area is treated, surrounding skin remains untouched
- Reduces appearance of unwanted scars
- Short procedure
- No downtime
Suitable candidates for laser scar reduction
Laser scar reduction is suitable for individuals who are:
- Physically healthy
- Not prone to developing keloids and other types of scars post-treatment
Pregnancy and breastfeeding women are not suitable candidates for laser scar reduction.
Make an appointment with us and our doctors at Zest will be able to advise you on the feasibility of laser scar reduction for you.
What results can I expect?
Laser scar reduction can only reduce the appearance of your scar, it cannot completely remove your scar. Recovery and results vary from person to person but in general, takes between one to three weeks for the treated area to completely heal.
For the best results, you must observe the following:
- Stop smoking: smoking has been known to reduce blood flow to the skin, increasing your chances of tissue damage, and hindering healing and recovery.
- Stop some medications: certain medications such as aspirins and anti-inflammatory drugs thin your blood making you more susceptible to bleeding during and after the procedure.
Before treatment
- Stop using skincare products that contain retinol or glycolic acid two to four weeks before your procedure
- Inform your doctor if you are prone to cold sores, an antibiotic cream will be prescribed to prevent an infection or outbreak
- Avoid the sun and tanning beds
After treatment
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Apply the prescribed antibiotic cream to prevent infection
- Avoid direct sun exposure on the treatment area
- Use good quality sunscreen
- Wash the area and apply moisturizer
What results can I expect?
Results of laser hair removal are dependent on a few factors such as treatment area, colour and thickness of the hair, and the colour of your skin. However, you can expect to see some results (approximately 10-25% hair reduction) after your first treatment.
The results of laser hair removal are not uniform amongst everyone, individuals with light skin and dark hair experience the best results. This is because the pigment of the hair should be the one to absorb the laser and not the skin. Darker pigments absorb better and quicker than lighter pigments. Results are also dependent on the colour of your hair; individuals with grey, red, blond, or white hair may experience less effective results.
For the best results, you must observe the following:
- Stop smoking: smoking has been known to reduce blood flow to the skin, increasing your chances of tissue damage, and hindering healing and recovery.
- Stop some medications: certain medications such as aspirins and anti-inflammatory drugs thin your blood making you more susceptible to bleeding during and after the procedure.
Before treatment
- Avoid the sun for two to four weeks before your appointment
- Do not use any skin lightening products on your skin
- Avoid plucking, waxing, or epilating your hair before your appointment
- Gently shave the area to remove all hair before your appointment
- Remove all moisturiser or deodorant used on the area
After treatment
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Avoid exercise, saunas, and massages for at least one week post-treatment
- Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning beds
- Use good quality sunscreen
How many treatment sessions are required?
Usually, more than one treatment session is required in order to reduce the appearance of your scar. On average, individuals usually require two to five treatment sessions, and more than one type of treatment option may be used each time to get the best possible results. Individuals should leave 1 month between each laser session to allow the skin to heal.
Each laser scar reduction session lasts less than an hour, depending on the location and type of scar. This takes into consideration consultation with our doctors, numbing cream application, laser removal, and after care instructions.
Frequently asked questions
No. laser scar reduction can only improve or reduce the appearance of your scar, it cannot remove your scar completely.
Numbing cream will be applied to the area to minimise discomfort. Additionally, you can consider over the counter, non-aspirin containing painkillers.
At Zest, laser scar reduction starts from $149.
