We treat the scars with fractional CO2 laser.
Based on the type of scar (post-acne, post-traumatic or post-surgery), its degree of severity and its age, we will use different parameters and propose a number of sessions.
Patients ask us: Can a scar be erased? Removing a scar leaving a completely intact skin is not possible, since there has been a rupture of the integrity of the skin. However, the treatments to erase scars can attenuate them to the point where they are very little visible. The satisfaction of patients in these treatments for scars is high.
Dr. Alain Braun
The CO2 laser is a fractional therapeutic laser indicated to treat scars and make the less visible.
This laser treats a fraction of the skin through a scanner of laser light points with selected parameters that vary depending on the type of skin, the degree of severity of the scar and the desired treatment results.
The laser light acts on the epidermis and the dermis by heating the epidermic cells and collagen in the dermis at high temperatures. This heat eventually results in a replacement of the epidermis and a denaturation of the old collagen and fibrosis of the scar of the dermis, stimulating the formation of new, higher quality collagen to repair the scar.
Technologically, this laser to treat scars acts in a fractional way. That means that the laser produces microscopic light acting columns in the skin (epidermis and dermis) leaving intact tissue between these columns. Thus, the tissue of the columns will be renewed producing a new collagen and a more trophic epidermis aided by healthy surrounding tissue that promotes this repair. It is a natural process of the body itself replacing the damaged collagen by a new, healthy and shiny skin with less visible scars.
CO2 laser treatment to erase scars is personalized since it works with a computer that allows the doctor choose the right parameters for each patient. The professional chooses the power, the time, the spot size, the spot shape…to act in superficial, intermediate and deep layers according to the need.
To achieve the optimal results one looks for in their treatment of scars, it usually takes several sessions. Dr. Adriana Ribé recommends a personalized treatment protocol after a precise skin diagnosis, which ranges from 1 to 2 sessions depending on the case. The exact number of sessions is personalized according to the degree of severity of the scar and the results that are expected to be obtained.
The laser treatment for the scars requires applying anesthetic cream to prevent possible discomfort 1 hour before the session. At the end of the laser session for the treatment of the scars, the skin looks rosy and we notice a sensation of heat that disappears in a few hours. In the week following the treatment, punctate scabs, mild to moderate swelling and skin turnover appear in 1 week. A social leave of 1 week is recommended.
Depending on the level of treatment, after the laser procedure for scars, the skin is red and swollen and we notice a sensation of heat that disappears in a few hours. In the week following the treatment, punctate scabs, mild to moderate swelling and skin turnover appear in 1 week. A social leave of 1 week is recommended.
After the laser treatment for the scars, a healing or repairing cream is applied to the treated area for 1 week, antibiotic cream and an anti-inflammatory and antiviral preventive treatment (herpes virus) is prescribed. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken to relieve any discomfort. In 1 week the usual creams and a sun protection (SPF +50) are resumed.
The Co2 laser treatment for scars is a safe therapeutic option supported by a large number of investigations. Like all treatments, it should be done by a medical professional experienced in this technology and with a patient’s medical history to minimize the risk of any negative reaction.
The results of the treatment for scars are gradual. A few days later the scars are more attenuated and the skin is smoother, softer, brighter and with a more uniform tone.
Generally, a significant difference is observed in 1 treatment. If more than 1 session is done, in each session the results accumulate and the improvement increases. In addition, at the end of the sessions, the skin continues to improve for the next 3-6 months as new cells that have been activated continue to produce new collagen.
The duration of the results after laser treatment for scars depends on the lifestyle, age, condition and skin care of each person.
