Many of us who have scars have a love-hate relationship with them. Some people want to keep their battle scars as reminders of what they’ve been through. But for most, there comes a time when they just want to get rid of them. And that’s when it’s time for scar removal.
Maybe your scar isn’t a battle scar at all. Perhaps it’s just a mark that showed up and now impacts your confidence. Whether it’s from surgery, an accident, or acne, scars can affect how we feel about ourselves. They can make us self-conscious and less confident in social situations.
The good news is that laser treatment offers an advanced and effective solution for scar removal. Here at SpaMedica, we’re licensed and experienced in this procedure. Let us share everything we’ve learned about laser scar removal in Toronto.
How Does Laser Treatment Remove Scars?
Let’s start with the basics. Scars form when an injury, surgery, or skin condition like acne damages the dermis layer of your skin. Your body heals by creating new tissue – what we call scar tissue.
This scar tissue often looks different from your regular skin. It might be raised scars, depressed scars, or a different colour. Using lasers, we can send focused light beams to the scar, breaking down the old skin tissue. This process triggers your body to make new collagen, helping your skin look smoother and more even.
Can Scars Be Removed by Laser Completely?
Here’s something important to understand: no treatment can guarantee complete scar removal. You should have realistic expectations. While we can’t make scars vanish entirely, we can make them much less noticeable. Our goal is to help your scar blend in with your surrounding skin.
Types of Laser Treatments for Scar Removal
When you come to SpaMedica, our resident dermatologist will look at your scar and recommend the best treatment. Among the different types of lasers, your options for scar removal might include:
- Ablative Lasers: These lasers remove the upper layer of skin cells of scarred skin. Think of it like sanding down a rough piece of wood. We use special types of lasers called CO2 and Erbium YAG for deeper scars. They’re also great for treating wrinkles!
- Non-Ablative Lasers: “Ablative” means “removing.” So, non-ablative lasers don’t remove any skin cells. Instead, they heat up the deep layers to boost collagen production. These work best for surface scars and can help with normal skin colour changes.
- Pulsed-Dye Lasers (PDL): PDL treatment also uses light that turns into heat. These lasers use a unique dye solution to create the laser effect. They work exceptionally well for red or discoloured scars.
- Fractional Laser Therapy: Think of this one as the best of both worlds. It combines ablative and non-ablative techniques. The laser targets small spots of skin while leaving the surrounding areas untouched. This means you heal faster while still getting great results.
Am I a Good Candidate?
The best way to know if laser mark removal is right for you is to come in for a chat. Everyone’s skin is different, and we create personal treatment plans for each patient.
That being said, we are equipped to treat many types of damaged skin:
- Surgical scars
- Acne scars
- Burn scars
- Stretch marks
- Injury scars
- Keloid scars
- Hypertrophic scars
- Contracture scars
- Self-harm scars
- Vaccination scars
- Chicken pox scars
Most people can safely get laser treatment to remove scars. But in some cases, it might be best to wait. For example, if you take blood-thinning medications, there is an increased risk of bleeding.
Another reason might be if you have active acne. If the acne is gone and all that’s left are the scars, that’s fine. But if you’re breaking out, you’ll need to get your acne under control first. Don’t worry; we can help with that, too!
Benefits of Laser Therapy for Scars
Laser therapy offers many advantages. It’s non-surgical, which means no cutting or stitches. You’ll see improvements quickly, and the results keep getting better over time. Plus, there’s minimal downtime – you can usually get back to your regular activities right away.
Preparing for Your Laser Treatment
Congratulations on taking this step toward smoother skin! To make sure everything goes well, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. For instance, before your treatment, you’ll want to stay out of the sun and stop using certain skin products. We’ll tell you exactly what to do during your consultation at SpaMedica.
How are Laser Scar Removals Performed?
Understanding what you’re getting yourself into goes a long way to removing unwanted stress and worries. Here’s what to expect:
- Initial Consultation: Meet with our expert dermatologist to assess your scar, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan. We’ll also go through your health history, medications, and any skin conditions you have.
- Skin Preparation: Your skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove any makeup, oils, or debris. We may mark the affected area with a special pencil.
- Comfort Measures: A topical numbing cream is applied to ensure your comfort.
- Eye Protection: Both you and the practitioner will wear special protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser light.
- Treatment Application: The scar laser surgery device is carefully passed over your scar. You might feel a warm sensation or a mild snapping feeling. This typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the scar size.
- Cooling Phase: We apply cooling packs or special gels to minimize any heat sensation and reduce the chance of side effects.
- Post-Treatment Care: Your skin is cleaned again, and we apply protective moisturizer and sunscreen.
- Recovery Instructions: You’ll receive detailed instructions about skincare, sun protection, and activities to avoid during the healing process.
- Follow-up Schedule: We’ll book your next appointment and explain what improvements to expect over the coming weeks.
Recovery
The good news is that recovery is usually very comfortable. You might notice some redness and swelling, but this is normal. Most people go right back to their daily activities right away, and your skin should heal completely within 3-10 days.
Laser Scar Removal Before and After
How Long Will Laser Skin Resurfacing Results Last?
Your results will keep improving over the first year as your skin builds new collagen. How long the results last depends on the type of laser used, how severe your scar was, and how well you care for your skin afterward. Many people go years without needing touch-ups.
How Much is Laser Scar Removal in Toronto
Laser removal costs in Toronto vary based on your specific needs. Small scars might cost around $250 to treat, while larger areas could cost $3000 or more. For an exact price, come in for a consultation.
Risks and Complications of Laser Treatment
While laser treatment for scar removal is very safe, you should know about possible minor risks:
One of those risks, as we’ve mentioned, is physical discomfort. You might experience minor redness and swelling. You can manage this with over-the-counter painkillers and ice packs.
The other is more worrisome for many and concerns aesthetics. In some cases, there are unintended pigmentation changes. For example, the skin can become lighter or darker in the treated areas. The risk is higher for those who have a darker skin tone, but it can happen to anybody.
Why Choose SpaMedica?
With 22 years of experience helping patients achieve a smoother skin surface, SpaMedica stands out as Toronto’s leading laser treatment center. We use the most advanced technology and techniques to give you the best possible results.
Ready to start your journey to clearer skin? Book your free consultation today!
FAQs
Can Scars Be Removed By Laser Completely?
While laser for scars can dramatically improve how they look, complete removal isn’t always possible. We focus on making scars much less noticeable and helping them blend with your natural skin.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most people need 3-6 sessions for best results. The exact number depends on your scar and skin type and how you respond to treatment.
Can Laser Treatment Remove Acne Scars Permanently?
Laser treatment can significantly improve acne scars. While the improvement is long-lasting, some maintenance treatments might be needed over time.
Is Laser Surgery For Scars Painful?
Most patients find the treatment very tolerable. We use numbing cream to keep you comfortable, and many people describe the sensation as mild warmth or light snapping.
Are There Any Long-Term Side Effects?
Long-term side effects are rare. Most people experience only temporary redness and swelling that goes away within a few days.
