Are you planning to get a laser treatment for your scar? Laser treatment has many good benefits not only for your spots but also for your skin. Some would refer to it as a magic wand capable of removing any scar.
Medical lasers are not toys. Before undergoing laser treatment for a scar, it is essential to know the following information to achieve impressive results and avoid serious side effects.
Glo Esthetics is here to help you identify what you should first know before laser treatment. Check out these ten tips we got for you.
Lasers For Your Scar Treatment
Laser therapy treats damaged areas of the body with concentrated beams of light. It can treat pain, remove tumors and other growths, improve vision, and stop hair loss. You can also improve scars through laser therapy.
Scars can be treated with a laser as an outpatient procedure. Your physician repeatedly passes a laser wand over your skin to remove damaged skin cells and diminish scars. These consist of:
- Wound scars and burn marks
- Acne scars
- Age spots
- Other forms of hyperpigmentation
Due to the heat and light involved in this procedure, your doctor may not recommend it if you are sensitive to light. Certain medications may induce this type of sensitivity. Consult your physician to determine if you are a suitable candidate.
Due to the risk of bleeding, your physician may also advise against laser treatments if you take blood-thinning medications. Additionally, you may encounter:
- Active acne
- Skin sores
- Darker skin
Things To Consider For Laser Treatment
Tons of times, you may think of considering laser treatment, as we say, but what should you look into? Here are our tips:
- Not a one-time procedure
Laser therapy requires multiple sessions like other treatments to achieve long-lasting, visible results. This is a common occurrence with non-ablative lasers. There is no downtime, but the results do not appear immediately.
2. Always inform your doctors.
Whenever you have these histories:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Skin diseases
- Cancer
- Smoking
- Affected by cold sores
- Using medications or dietary supplements
Always be truthful during these consultations, as it will only serve your best interests. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you think the treatment will have a side effect on the latter part.
3. Evaluate your healthcare provider
Laser scar revision is not a treatment that you can repeat with consistently positive results. Most of the time, the effectiveness of a treatment depends on the practitioner’s abilities.
Regarding laser treatments, you should prioritize a laser center under the supervision of a physician that specializes in laser treatments. They have professionals who have spent years studying lasers’ science, mechanics, and applications, making them your best option for a successful treatment.
Regardless of the severity of your scar, these centers can guarantee your safety and produce excellent results.
4. Laser scar revision cannot erase a scar.
Contrary to advertisements, this procedure does not entirely remove the scar. Scars are composed of a distinct type of collagen and are permanent; therefore, no treatment or product can remove them, not even the most intense light.
What laser scar removal can accomplish:
- Reduce itching caused by the scar.
- Enhance scar mobility by dissolving scar tissue and reorganizing collagen.
- Prevent a visible, raised spot from forming after surgery.
In short, it reduces the visibility of the scars. The principle of the treatment is analogous to replacing your darker, more visible scar with one that is less visible.
5. Invest in sun protection products
Before and after laser scar revision, sun exposure is undesirable. Suppose you arrive following a tanning session or sunburn. You may not be treated in that case, as the laser can worsen the treatment outcome. The treatment could result in severe skin discoloration and burns.
Therefore, ensure you arrive at the clinic with your natural skin tone. And after treatment, use sunscreen to protect your skin until the treated area has healed. Otherwise, a new scar may develop.
6. Laser scar removal changes your lifestyle.
Changing your way of life is crucial if you want your scar to heal more quickly. Therefore, if you are not prepared for the following, you should reconsider whether you should undergo the treatment:
- Stop smoking at least two weeks before the scheduled treatment.
- Stop using skincare products containing glycolic acid or retinoids at least one week before the treatment.
- Avoid taking aspirin, vitamin E supplements, and other medications that may slow healing.
- Avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, the sun, and other heat sources that can cause skin burns.
- If you are susceptible to developing cold sores, you should take medication that may prevent their occurrence.
- Your technician may recommend additional treatment alongside the laser scar revision.
To enhance the efficacy of the treatment, the administering staff may advise you to combine the laser therapy with another modality.
For example, suppose you have deep acne scars. In this case, the technician may recommend additional skincare products in addition to laser therapy.
7. Treatment follow-up care is required.
Because the scar revision treatment is essential for “covering up the scar,” you must take care of it. Follow the technician’s instructions to achieve optimal results with minimal side effects.
8. Laser treatment seems to be painful, but it’s not.
You usually hear laser treatments are painful because of the process it brings. But for most people who have experienced it, it’s not. Some lasers use cooling techniques to help you feel at ease while on the procedure.
This is where you might feel a cooling breeze every time the laser targets your scars. Again, laser treatments shouldn’t be a worry! You might not feel anything at all while undergoing this treatment.
9. Results will be based on your physician.
For a reason, the results you will receive will depend on your attending doctors. That’s why most of the time, it’s recommended to get a board-certified physician to help you achieve your goal. Besides, if you’ve chosen well-experienced medical staff and providers, you’ll surely be in safe hands.
10. It will take some time.
Then and again, you will need some time to see the results of your treatment. In this case, seeing your laser treatment’s outcome is not immediate. You can ask your doctor how long you may be able to see the best results (it will depend on your scar).
Glo Signature Treatments
At Glo Esthetics, we have signature treatments to help you achieve your goal. Try our treatments from lasers and PRP down to Botox! We’ve got everything for you. For our newest Glo Signature Treatment, here’s what you can get:
Glo Hydrate
This facial is soothing, hydrating, and calming and targets external factors contributing to facial aging.
Glo Teen
This facial is ideal for teens with combination skin, as it cleanses pores deeply. Beginning with a Hydrafacial to cleanse the pores using gentle vacuum suction.
Glo Resurface
This treatment is for those who desire accelerated results and can tolerate some “downtime.” Starting with Microneedling to expand the pores and create micro-channels into the deeper skin layers.
Glo Lift
This facial elevates GLOW to an entirely new level! Ideal for a forthcoming event! This treatment aims to tighten, lift, brighten, and deeply hydrate the skin.
Glo Signature
One of our client favorites! This facial utilizes Microneedling, Hydrafacial, and a Customized Peel to target visible signs of aging.
Glo Peel
This treatment combines Hydrafacial and Chemical Peel techniques.
Glo Vampire
This procedure begins with a thorough cleansing and Hydrafacial. Then, a thick layer of numbing cream of medical grade is applied. Then, we take a small amount of blood from inside your arm.
On the other hand, oxygen therapy involves a machine that sprays atomized moisturizers onto the skin using a pressurized oxygen stream. This treatment hydrates the skin, making a face appear smoother and fuller.
You can also try Botox for those seeking freedom from fine lines, wrinkles, and deep creases! If you ever have doubts about laser treatments, you no longer need to!
Schedule an appointment with us, and we’ll assist you in acquiring the best for yourself! Contact us immediately for an appointment!