Scar treatment with Laser

What It Is

A laser that treats skin columns (fractions) instead of the entire surface. Provides effective rejuvenation with shorter healing time than ablative laser.

Treatment Protocol

• Number of sessions: 3-5 treatments
• Interval: 4-6 weeks
• Effect: Progressive over 3-6 months
• Maintenance: Every 6-12 months
• Best results: Visible after 3 months

Procedure

1. Numbing cream (30-45 min)
2. Cleansing
3. Laser treatment (20-45 min)
4. Cooling and soothing products
5. Total time: 90-120 minutes

Duration

90-120 minutes (including numbing)

Pain Level

Day 0:

• Pain: Moderate (manageable with paracetamol)
• Burning sensation (decreasing over hours)
• Numbing cream used before treatment

During treatment:

• Warm, stinging sensation
• Tolerable with numbing
• More uncomfortable on sensitive areas

Downtime

• Minimum: 5-7 days
• Average: 7-10 days
• Maximum: 10-14 days
• Plan time off from work/social events

Healing Time

Day 0:

• Intense redness (red/dark red)
• Swelling
• Burning sensation (decreasing over hours)
• Grid pattern visible

Day 1-3:

• Continued intense redness
• Swelling (especially around eyes)
• Skin begins to darken (bronze color)
• Dryness and tightness
• Small crusts beginning

Day 3-5:

• Aggressive peeling starts
• Dark skin loosens in flakes
• DO NOT PICK!
• Pink skin underneath
• Still dry and tight

Day 5-7:

• Most peeling finished for many
• Some need 7-10 days
• Pink, new skin
• Sensitive
• Texture improvement visible

Day 8-14:

• Redness gradually decreases
• Makeup can cover remaining redness
• Skin still sensitive
• Improvement noticeable

Week 2-12:

• Progressive improvement
• Redness may persist 4-12 weeks
• Collagen production continues
• Best results seen after 3 months

Side Effects

Very common:

• Intense redness (days to weeks)
• Aggressive peeling
• Dryness and tightness
• Swelling (especially eyes)

Common (30-50%):

• Milia (small white bumps)
• Acne breakout (purging)
• Prolonged redness (>4 weeks)

Less common (10-20%):

• Hyperpigmentation (usually reversible)
• Hypopigmentation
• Herpes activation

Rare (<5%):

• Infection
• Scarring
• Permanent pigment changes

Aftercare

First 24 hours:

• Cooling with ice packs
• Do not wash (follow instructions)
• Do not touch face
• Pain relief if needed

Day 2-7:

• Wash gently with lukewarm water
• Moisturize A LOT - several times daily
• DO NOT PICK at peeling skin!
• SPF 50+ every day
• No makeup until peeling finished
• Avoid heat, steam, sweating

Week 2-4:

• Gradual reintroduction of products
• Continue high SPF (at least 4 weeks)
• Avoid exfoliation 2-4 weeks
• No other facial treatments 4 weeks

Critical restrictions:

• Sun: ABSOLUTELY no sun 4-8 weeks!
• Exercise: Avoid first week
• Sauna/steam: Not 2-4 weeks
• Waxing: Not on face 4 weeks

Who Is This For

• People with deep wrinkles or scars
• Sun damage and pigmentation spots
• Uneven skin texture
• People who can tolerate downtime (5-14 days)
• All skin types (requires caution for darker skin types)

Who Is This Not For

• Active infection or inflammation
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding
• Isotretinoin in the last 6-12 months
• Keloid tendency
• Unrealistic expectations
• Recent sun exposure
• People who cannot tolerate downtime

Important Information

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS:

• Reduces deeper wrinkles and scars (does NOT remove)
• Improves skin texture and tone
• Treats sun damage
• Requires downtime (3-7 days typically)
• Series of treatments necessary

Documented Effects:

• 30-70% improvement of scars (varies)
• Reduction of deep wrinkles
• Improved skin texture
• Reduction of pigmentation spots

Contraindications

• Pregnancy/breastfeeding
• Active infection
• Isotretinoin in the last 6-12 months
• Keloid tendency
• Unrealistic expectations
• Recent sun exposure

Warning Signs

• Increasing pain/redness/swelling after 48h
• Signs of infection (pus, yellow crusts, fever)
• Severe eye swelling
• Blisters or deep wounds

Individual Variations

• Faster (20-30%): Minimal peeling, 5-7 days
• Average (50-60%): Moderate peeling, 7-10 days
• Longer (10-20%): Aggressive peeling up to 14 days

Results vary based on:

• Skin type and condition
• Scar type and depth
• Age and collagen production
• Adherence to aftercare

Maintenance

• Maintenance: Every 6-12 months
• Often combined with other treatments
• Pre-treatment may be necessary (retinol, hydroquinone 2-4 weeks)
• Herpes prophylaxis if history
• Doctor performs treatment