Scar Laser Treatment | Laser Treatment for Scars

Treatments/Scar Assessment & Advice/Types of Lasers

Laser therapy is one of the most effective forms of scar treatment. It is precise, targeted, and efficient, and this guide looks at the various types of laser treatment for scars available and the many high-end lasers used at The London Scar Clinic.

Why is Laser Scar Treatment Effective?

Scars laser treatment works through the application of intensely concentrated beams of light, directed at sections of scar tissue. The beams cause microscopic injuries to the skin, sometimes on the surface and other times deeper down within the scar tissue itself, depending on the type of laser used.

The injuries trigger the skin’s natural healing processes. Collagen – a protein crucial to the formation of new skin cells and general skin repair – is produced in larger-than-normal amounts. This helps the skin regenerate, leading to improved appearance, texture, and mobility.

The benefits of skin laser treatment are numerous. Firstly, it is an effective method of reducing the prominence of multiple types of scars in areas all over the body. It is also minimally invasive, unlike surgical scar removal, and has less downtime and faster recovery than invasive methods.

A healthcare professional in navy scrubs, protective eyewear, and a face mask performs a laser treatment on a patient's face. The patient, lying on a treatment bed with protective goggles, receives the procedure in a clinical setting.

Laser Treatment for Acne Scars

At The London Scar Clinic, we use either UltraPulse CO2 laser scar treatment or the M22 laser for patients with acne scarring. These devices penetrate deep down to the dermis layer to take effect, as acne scarring is often indented or depressed.

The lasers break down the scar tissue to make way for healthy new skin cell growth. Even deep and long-lasting acne scars are treatable this way, and the lasers help to improve texture, mobility, and skin tone. The laser treatment for acne scars cost varies based on the number of sessions needed.

Close up of a stitched incision on the upper shoulder

Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks

The right laser for scars can also treat stretch marks induced through pregnancy, weight gain, or other causes. Laser treatment can help to reduce the appearance of these scars and promote skin healing, plus collagen production, for improved texture and tone.

The effectiveness of laser treatment for scars will vary according to the patient’s age and skin tone, and the amount, size, and depth of the marks in question. However, even on marks that have been around for several years, this treatment can prove effective.

Laser Treatment for Surgical Scars

While surgeons often take pains to minimise the size and appearance of scars after surgery, many operations result in at least some scarring. Lasers can also help with these scars, fading their colour, improving their texture, and making them less noticeable overall.

As with other types of laser treatment for scars, effectiveness and cost will vary according to the size and nature of the scars.

Laser Treatment for Keloid Scars

Keloid scars demand a more intensive form of laser therapy due to their rigid, raised, and thick nature. Multiple sessions are often needed, during which the lasers will target the keloid tissue to flatten it out, reduce redness, and improve appearance and texture.

For keloids, laser treatment may also be combined with additional methods, such as steroids for scar treatment. This helps to intensify the effects, leading to faster and more noticeable reductions in volume and prominence.

Laser Treatment for Burn Scars

Burn scars can be particularly challenging due to their depth and the extent of tissue damage. Laser therapy offers an effective solution for improving the appearance and function of burn scars. The treatment works by breaking down rigid scar tissue and promoting the growth of healthier, more flexible skin.

Multiple sessions are typically required for burn scars, with the lasers targeting both surface texture and deeper tissue layers to achieve optimal results.

doctor doing a laser treatment on forehead

Types of Lasers at The London Scar Clinic

Lumenis UltraPulse® CO2 Laser

Deemed by experts as the “gold standard” of scar lasers, the UltraPulse CO2 laser for scars is a highly versatile and effective device. It can be used in laser treatment for burn scars, as well as acne and surgical scars. It inflicts a carefully controlled injury pattern, boosting collagen production for a smoother texture and refined appearance.

Patients undergoing UltraPulse laser treatment at The London Scar Clinic are first administered either local anaesthetic or sedation.

Post-operative scar showing smooth, pale healing tissue.

Lumenis M22™ IPL Laser

The M22 intense pulsed light laser emits light beams of varying wavelengths. This makes it a versatile solution for treating a variety of scar types. It is used at The London Scar Clinic for reducing the visibility of red scarring and improving overall scar appearance.

Lumenis M22™ ResurFX Laser

The M22 ResurFX laser harnesses the power of erbium fibre technology. It emits concentrated beams of light which create microchannels within the skin, triggering the body’s natural wound healing processes. It can be combined with other treatments, like microneedling, and is particularly useful for stretch marks in people of all skin types and tones.

Lutronic DermaV™ Laser

One of the latest additions to the laser skin therapy market, the DermaV offers dual modality functionality, making it a viable option for people of all skin tones. It is configurable to treat a vast array of scar concerns, from acne scarring to pregnancy stretch marks.

Cynosure® PicoSure® Laser

Cynosure’s PicoSure is one of the most effective devices in our collection at The London Scar Clinic. It can treat various types of scarring and pigmentation issues within scars, such as dark patches. It is favoured by many for its low-risk nature. Treatment at our PicoSure laser London clinic usually results in only minimal downtime and very low chances of side effects.

Cynosure® Cynergy™ Vascular Laser

Combining pulsed dye laser (PDL) and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser technologies, the Cynergy is an innovative, advanced device. It uses PDL therapy to address red scarring and vascular concerns within scar tissue. It can also employ Nd:YAG technology for patients with darker skin tones suffering from similar vascular concerns in their scars.

laser treatment before and after on a woman's back

"I have been coming to the Clinic for over a year now and the experience has always been extremely professional and courteous. Having major surgery can be a daunting process but the clinic has at all times provided excellent care across all aspects."

"The surgeon answered all of my concerns and I felt confident to undergo the procedure and came out feeling confident I received very good care. The staff and nurses gave me personal attention and were quite courteous, they readily gave me any information that I needed. They were particular in helping me go through all the steps I needed in preparation for the procedure."

"Experience was positive from start to finish. The staff were professional and caring. I felt that I was in excellent hands."

Laser Treatment for Scars – Types of Lasers