Hypertrophic, keloid and atrophic scars can be effectively revised through the use of the Er: YAG Laser. This laser system emits a low energy laser beam with short pulses (300 microseconds) that ablate the tissue by vaporization with minimal thermal conduction to surrounding tissues.
The thermal effect of this energy also stimulates more collagen formation which improves the skin and minimizes postoperative erythema.
By using higher power we can achieve the desired results with only three to four days of down time. If we use lower power the same result may be achieved with multiple treatments and less down time, but the total treatment regimen time is longer.
How many laser scar treatments will need?
Typically, from one to four laser peel treatments required at intervals of four to six weeks or longer. These recommendations must be individualized for each patient based on physician’s treatment objectives and unique characteristics of the patient’s skin abnormality.
Acne scars
Many men and women who had cystic acne during their lives are often left with deep and depressed scars giving skin a crater-like or orange-peel appearance. These scars are caused by collagen and epidermal damage and do not go away without treatment. Frequently acne scars also retain a red pigment.
To improve acne scar may require combination of treatments. Some will respond well to a collagen remodeling with Nd:YAG laser, while others will require an Er:YAG laser resurfacing or dermal fillers.
There are many types of dermal fillers that can be injected into acne scars to raise the surface of the skin and give a younger and smoother look. Acne scar treatments require that a person’s skin is free of active acne, so if you still break out you will have to address this first.
Lasers have been used in aesthetic medicine for well over thirty years. Only well trained and licensed medical professional can provide laser treatments. Your physician Dr. Olina Harwer, M.D., has well over twenty years of experience with aesthetic laser treatments.