Symptoms Treated
Scar Treatment
Scars are a normal part of the skin’s healing process and everyone experiences scarring at least once in their lives. Unfortunately, some scars can turn into unattractive blemishes that can begin affecting your self-esteem. Fortunately, the appearance of scars can be reduced and in some cases, eliminated completely.
Scars form when the second deepest layer of the skin, the dermis, is damaged. This could be due to injury, surgery or even weight loss or gain. Once the skin is injured, the body starts working to repair the wound by creating a scab and producing collagen to renew the skin.
If collagen is produced too quickly, it may not be able to replicate the exact patterns that are present across the rest of your skin, which is when scars can appear. If too much collagen is produced, the scar can look raised.
There are also several different factors that can affect the appearance of your scars and determine how easily you scar too. These include age, skin tone, the location of the injury and hormones.
These are the various types of scars that can be treated at Clinica Lase:
- Atrophic Scars: Have a slightly pitted appearance and are common amongst people with acne or those who’ve had chicken pox.
- Hypertrophic or Keloid Scars: Are raised, puffy and can be darker than the surrounding skin. Keloid scars will also extend beyond the original injury site.
- Cystic Acne Scars: This severe type of acne can leave deep depressions in the skin and can sometimes even cause hyperpigmentation.
- Stretch Marks: Can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on areas that experience the most weight gain or loss such as the stomach, thighs and buttocks.
Everyone scars differently and while scars can lighten over time, some won’t ever go away without additional assistance.
At Clinica Lase, there are various ways that we can treat scars so that you can enjoy a clear and smooth skin. Some of the treatments that can be used to reduce the appearance of scars include Excel V, Laser Genesis, LED light therapy, Pico Genesis, skin needling and chemical peels.
Your clinician will develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs once your skin has been analysed during your consultation.
What to Expect
Before your treatment commences, your clinician will discuss your medical history, past treatments and your skin’s condition with you. This will provide us with the full picture that is required to create a skin treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs.
Before the laser is applied, your skin will be cleaned and prepped. Patients can usually expect a warming sensation once the laser is applied to their skin, a sensation that is tolerable. If you are concerned about discomfort, a topical cream can be used before the laser is applied.
If you will be receiving a chemical peel, you can expect a tingling sensation after the peel starts to dry and the chemicals begin taking effect.
Skin needling may also be slightly uncomfortable for some but the treatment is very quick and the results are exceptional.
The average treatment will last between 20 and 30 minutes and most patients should bargain on needing more than one treatment before the desired results are achieved.
You clinician will explain to you what you can expect after your treatment and how you can care for your skin going forward.
Pre-Treatment
The condition of your skin and the supplements and medications that you’re taking can all affect the results of your scar treatment at Clinica Lase.
Patients should refrain from tanning or using any self-tanners for at least two weeks prior to their appointment. Your clinician will also tell you whether there are any products or medications that you should stop using before your treatment as certain ingredients can cause adverse effects.
If at any point your skin is injured and you have an open wound, you will need to reschedule your appointment at Clinica Lase.
Recovery
Side effects will vary between patients but most laser and skin treatments don’t require much down time, if any at all.
Patients can expect some mild swelling and redness after their treatment, which subsides after several hours. It’s very important to avoid direct sun exposure for a week or two after your treatment and to always protect your skin with a high SPF sunscreen.
Your clinician will let you know whether there are any products that you can use to accelerate the healing process.
Peace of Mind
Every treatment at Clinica Lase is carried out by qualified and experienced clinicians who also have government approved laser safety qualifications. All of our lasers are medical-grade, which means they are 100% safe and effective for the treatment of scars. We draw on our years of experience and in-depth knowledge to provide each of our patients with a tailored skin treatment plan. To assess the skin’s reaction to our treatments and to gauge each patient’s comfort levels, we will test a small patch of skin before carrying out the full treatment.