Rehabilitation after laser resurfacing

Scars adorn only men, but this statement is currently irrelevant. Modern people strive to get rid of cosmetic defects; in our clinic, for this purpose, you can use the method of fractional laser resurfacing of scars. The procedure has a lot of advantages and allows you to get rid of skin imperfections forever.

Laser scar resurfacing >>>

Photos before and after laser scar resurfacing procedure

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Laser resurfacing rehabilitation

Depending on the device on which the procedures will be performed, rehabilitation after laser resurfacing can take from a week to a month.

The duration of recovery also depends on the characteristics of the body. But, one way or another, there are certain rules that help you go through the rehabilitation period as comfortably as possible and get the maximum effect from the procedure.

You should be prepared for the following:

Immediately after laser resurfacing, redness of varying intensity may remain on the skin. For some, the redness subsides after a couple of hours, but sometimes it can last up to a day.
In the first two days, swelling may appear, which will begin to subside 3-4 days after the procedure.
If you have pigmentation, it may become more pronounced in the first days. Gradually, the stain will begin to lighten and become barely noticeable or disappear altogether.
A day after laser resurfacing, crusts may begin to form and peeling may appear. Under no circumstances should you remove them yourself! By tearing off crusts or peeling, you risk getting a scar or hyperpigmentation! It is necessary to moisturize the skin and protect it from direct sunlight until complete recovery.

How to prevent the appearance of a keloid scar?

There are several ways to prevent the appearance of a keloid scar.

If surgical excision of the tumor is performed, techniques that minimize tension on the wound edges should be used during suturing.
Mechanical stabilization - the use of special silicone plates or the use of silicone-based gels.
The use of various medications containing flavonoids - substances obtained naturally from various plants (for example, onion extract). However, data on the effectiveness of this group of drugs is contradictory.
Pressure therapy (compression) – within 15–40 mm Hg. Art. for 23 hours a day for 6 months. Data on the effectiveness of this method are also conflicting.
Glucocorticosteroids (GCS) - can be used as creams or ointments in the initial stages of scar formation and to prevent its formation, as well as in the form of injections into scar tissue. [4]

Laser resurfacing - post-procedure care

Today, laser resurfacing involves a more gentle effect on the skin, making rehabilitation after laser resurfacing faster and more comfortable.

If, when performing deep laser resurfacing, you need to spend another day in the hospital, then when performing the manipulation on modern equipment, for example, Nano Pixel CO2, you go home immediately after the procedure.

All recommendations are assigned depending on the depth of the grinding performed and the characteristics of the patient. General care recommendations include:

Do not wash your face for the first 2 days after the procedure (you can gently wipe the skin with saline solution or another product recommended by a specialist)
It is not recommended to use decorative cosmetics while there are crusts or large peelings on the skin
It is advisable to sleep on your back in the first 2-5 days after the procedure
Use moisturizing creams and products with a light texture
Do not use scrubs, peelings or aggressive cleansers under any circumstances.
Do not visit solariums, swimming pools, baths and saunas
Avoid physical activity
Avoid sudden temperature changes
Be sure to use sunscreen with the maximum SPF factor for a month after the procedure!

On average, after hardware laser resurfacing, the active recovery period is only 5-7 days. But protection from ultraviolet radiation is necessary until the lipid layer of the dermis is completely restored.

How does laser scar removal work?

What laser is used to remove scars in a medical setting? Our experts prefer the Dermablate MCL 31 erbium laser from the German manufacturer ASCLEPION. This is equipment that allows, with minimal trauma, almost painless removal of scars and gentle sanding of the skin.

The procedure not only eliminates defects, but also stimulates restoration processes in the treated areas of the skin, which activates the production of elastin and collagen, necessary for the formation of a healthy skin structure.

In our work we use Micro Spot technology:

microscopic laser beams gently affect the skin, creating the finest microtraumas, the depth and intensity of which are determined by the program;
lesions on the skin are formed at a safe distance so as not to harm the patient’s healthy skin;
in the zone of active laser exposure, the process of regeneration or active cell division is started, due to which a lifting effect is achieved;
during the healing and rehabilitation process, the patient does not feel any aesthetic discomfort;
before exposure, if necessary, the doctor will treat the skin with an anesthetic;
The intensity of the device’s operation is adjusted based on the patient’s characteristics.

Laser resurfacing stages of healing

Recovery after laser resurfacing, globally, can be divided into weeks:

1 Week:

the most active recovery period, when the process of regeneration and healing begins after laser resurfacing.

During this period, redness, swelling, crusting and peeling are observed. It is in the first week that all the rules from the section above must be strictly followed.

2 week

: the skin returns to normal and you can gradually return to the usual stage of care, as well as applying light makeup.

The main thing is not to forget about hydration and protection from UV radiation!

3-4 week:

There is no longer any need for special care, but a favorable time is coming for injection procedures, such as biorevitalization or mesotherapy. They will help speed up the recovery process and also enhance the results of laser resurfacing!

Removal of scars and scars

Removal of tumors with laser and liquid nitrogen (cryodestruction) are the most popular non-surgical methods.

Their main difference: effectiveness and safety.

Using a laser and cryodestruction, you can also remove a papilloma, remove a wart, or remove a mole. We recommend that you consult with a specialist before the procedure to clarify the type of formation.

When the question arises about removing a scar on the body, we pay attention to the simplicity, quality and price of the procedure.

How to remove scars

Services

Appointment with a dermatocosmetologist
Laser treatment
Laser treatment of acne scars

A scar and a scar are actually the same thing, only the first definition is used as a medical term, and the second in everyday communication.
Liza Boyarskaya received a scar on her cheek as a child when she broke a lamp and cut herself with a fragment. “The scar is my mark, my feature,” she says. “I’m in no hurry to get rid of him.” The scar on Catherine Zeta-Jones's neck is post-surgery. He remained after surgery on the trachea, which saved the life of the future actress. Katherine does not remove the scar as a matter of principle. “It reminds me of the fragility of life,” she says.

But these are actors. For them, small, thin, barely noticeable scars are part of their image, an image, a touch of individuality.

In life, most often, scars and scars look unaesthetic, rough, cause an unpleasant feeling in others and even internal rejection.

Therefore, it is better to get rid of them, because modern medical technologies allow you to do this quickly and without leaving any traces.

Scars and scars form in places where there was previously damage to the skin. Injuries, cuts, burns, animal bites, acne (scientifically called acne) - regardless of the cause, instead of the normal multi-layered structure of the skin, rough connective tissue grows - a scar or scar. By the way, a scar and a scar are one and the same thing; the term “scar” is more often used in medical literature, the word “scar” is used in everyday communication.

If you are planning to remove scars, you need to clearly know the following:

There is no effective treatment for scars at home.
There are NO creams or ointments to eliminate scars. Actively advertised creams and ointments only soften and make scar tissue less noticeable.
The duration of treatment until a sustainable effect is obtained is at least 2-4 months (with the exception of laser therapy, but more on that later).
High-quality removal of scars costs from 2.5 thousand rubles, but not less than 1000 rubles per cm² (data for Moscow in 2017).

Now let's look at these things in more detail.

If you are planning to remove scars, you need to clearly know the following:

To treat or remove any scar, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will evaluate all factors and select the most appropriate treatment option.

Let's start with the fact that the scars themselves are different.

“Sinking” scars that form pits or depressions in the skin. They occur after acne (blackheads), pimples, injuries, and unsuccessful skin surgeries. The reason is that there is not enough “building material” in the damaged area, a special collagen protein.
Scars that rise above the skin and form ridges or tubercles, on the contrary, are associated with an excess of building proteins and excessive growth of connective tissue. Occurs after burns, wounds, and inflammatory diseases.
Very rough, lumpy, ugly scars.
Scars in the form of narrow wavy stripes - stretch marks or stretch marks.
“Flat” scars, which are located at the same level as the surrounding skin and even have the same shade of color and many other types.

It is not enough to simply understand the anatomy of the scar. In order to correctly prescribe treatment, you need to take into account the density and severity of the scar, the condition of the surrounding tissues and whether there is a violation of the blood supply. Assess the patient's immune system and find out if there are diseases that may complicate treatment.

Therefore, in our clinic, the procedure for removing scars and scars always begins with a consultation with a doctor. A dermatocosmetologist will professionally evaluate all factors and select the most adequate treatment option. You will never hear from a doctor any of the numerous “pseudoscientific” advice that is so abundant on the Internet today.

Question

Tell me, is it possible to get rid of old scars that are more than 5-7 years old? Or is this for life?

Answer

It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally without seeing the patient. Getting rid of scars requires a professional choice of treatment method, and this depends on the type of defect, its age and the characteristics of the body associated with tissue regeneration. If you are concerned about the presence of a skin defect such as a scar, you need a face-to-face consultation with a dermatocosmetologist and you, together with a specialist, can decide on a treatment method.

Zhuravleva Evgenia

Chief medical and aesthetic doctor, dermatocosmetologist.

Why you can't get rid of scars in a week

Ideally, it is better to start treatment at the stage of scar formation - this will make the scar less noticeable and the treatment less long.

Scar tissue is a dense structure that is resistant to external influences. The scar reliably “glues” the edges of the wound together. Connective tissue, like mounting foam, fills defects in the skin and subcutaneous layers, and after maturing (“foam solidifies”) provides complete tightness and impermeability in the wound area.

But such a scar will resist all attempts to get rid of it, because then “depressurization” will occur again. Therefore, it is impossible to qualitatively remove a scar in a short time using conventional methods.

Scar tissue is very dense and resistant to external influences, so it is not possible to get rid of scars in a week.

Even the use of special techniques does not guarantee a quick effect. For example, special silicone-based patches must be worn without removing for several months. Cryotherapy (cold treatment) is carried out repeatedly, and each time with an interval of 20-30 days. To get the effect of special ointments and creams for resorption, a minimum of 2-4 months is required. X-ray therapy for Bucca lasts for 9-12 months. There are exceptions, but more on that later.

The main thing to remember is not to trust advertising that promises quick relief from scars. It doesn't happen that way.

Why scar removal can't be cheap

An inexpensive and advertised remedy for treating scars does not mean it is effective. Plus, you first need to consult with a specialist.

Effective treatment of scars is carried out only with the help of special high-precision and expensive equipment. For example, for electrostatic massage you need a device that will cause tissue vibrations due to an electrostatic field.

Mechanical removal of the surface layer of skin also requires special equipment, replaceable attachments, special preparations, and anesthesia. For Bucca therapy - an X-ray machine. You will need your own technique for treatment with cold (cryodestruction) and light (photocorrection).

In addition, only a qualified specialist who has successfully completed special training can operate such equipment. And the services of such a specialist cannot be cheap.

Therefore, no matter how tempting the offers on the Internet to remove a scar for 500 rubles sound, remember that effective treatment does not come cheap.

Question

Does the cost of scar removal depend on their size? If I have a scar on my forearm that is longer than 5 cm, will I pay more than to remove a small scar?

Answer

“The cost of scar removal depends on the technique and selected hardware technologies. The choice depends on the type of defect, how long it has existed and the regenerative characteristics of the body. And only secondarily will the size of the scar affect the price of treatment. But a detailed calculation of the cost of treatment is possible only after a comprehensive consultation.”

Zhuravleva Evgenia

Chief medical and aesthetic doctor, dermatocosmetologist.

How we remove scars

Laser treatment of scars and scars

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It is important for our patients not only to get rid of unaesthetic “decoration”. It is important that this procedure is as painless as possible and not too long. That's why we chose laser therapy. Laser has several advantages over other methods. For example, laser:

practically does not damage healthy tissue, as it has a very precise local effect;
completely safe - ensures absolute sterility;
restores skin structure - stimulates regeneration processes;
smoothes out skin unevenness - gently and painlessly removes scar tissue along with areas of pigmentation, fine wrinkles, stretch marks;
reduces the total treatment time - shortens the rehabilitation period to 2-4 days;

We use erbium laser ER: YAG - this is the most optimal laser for treating scars and stretch marks. It allows you to customize the program individually for each patient, taking into account all the nuances. This laser has such a gentle effect that we do without anesthesia. And yet, the use of a laser solves the unpleasant problem of dividing (demarcation) lines that appear between the treated and untreated surfaces. The erbium laser does not leave such lines, and the site of the former scar becomes almost invisible even upon careful examination.

Laser treatment of scars and scars

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Separately, it should be said about the use of laser to remove acne scars. If acne is not treated or treated incorrectly or unqualifiedly, scars may remain in place of the acne. The texture of the skin becomes uneven, and areas of different color or shade appear.

practically does not damage healthy tissue, as it has a very precise local effect;
completely safe - ensures absolute sterility;
restores skin structure - stimulates regeneration processes;
smoothes out skin unevenness - gently and painlessly removes scar tissue along with areas of pigmentation, fine wrinkles, stretch marks;
reduces the total treatment time - shortens the rehabilitation period to 2-4 days;

Acne scars are located on visible parts of the body, face, and upper chest. This places a special responsibility on the doctor for the quality of treatment and the choice of technique for removing defects, especially since it is often necessary to remove not one, but several scars.

Scars after severe acne look especially untidy and rough, when the purulent-inflammatory process has penetrated into the deep layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

But even in this case, you can achieve clean and smooth skin, on which there will be practically no visible traces of former scars. We're using an erbium laser again. With its help we:

we will remove scar tissue layer by layer and smooth out skin defects - the combined thermomechanical effect ensures high efficiency of the procedure;
we will achieve an improvement in the overall structure of the skin - the laser stimulates protein synthesis in the deep layers of the skin;
We will ensure complete safety of the procedure due to minimal trauma to surrounding tissues;
We will carry out treatment as soon as possible.

Let us emphasize again. The choice of treatment always remains with the doctor. The arsenal of methods for treating scars and scars is large, and the doctor can always choose the technique that is right for you. Even if you have had a negative or disappointing experience, do not despair. There are no hopeless situations. Just come for a consultation. Trust us and we will find a solution to your problem.

How not to treat scars

Incorrect treatment, in addition to wasting money and time, can lead to enlargement of the scar. What could cause this:

non-compliance with doctor’s recommendations after removal or self-medication;
traumatization and irritation of the wound can lead to relapse;
non-compliance with prescribed antiseptic methods;
removal of the crust that has formed at the site of removal: under it the restoration process is more efficient.

There is not enough information in scientific sources to evaluate the effectiveness of folk remedies in the treatment of scars. From my experience I can say that I have not seen a single patient for whom folk remedies produced any significant positive changes. And in fairness, it’s worth saying that I rarely encounter the use of folk remedies in the treatment of scars.