Learn About Scarring and Scar Removal
Laser scar removal has had many improvements during recent years. New treatment technology can be used to enhance the appearance of a wide range of scars. In some cases, the scar tissue may completely disappear.
Types of Treatment
The CO2 and Er:YAG lasers are commonly used to treat atrophic scaring, such as caused by acne. Atrophic scars appear as pin like depressions in the skin. The CO2 and YAG are used to ablate the scar tissue, essentially blasting the skin away. Because of the powerful way in which the lasers blast the skin, these laser treatments may require some downtime. Newer types of treatment include the use of radio frequency energy in conjunction with CO2 and YAG lasers. These treatments are less ablative but may require multiple treatments. The 585 to 595 wavelength pulse lasers are used to treat keloid and hypertrophic scars. They work by targeting the skin below the scar tissue to enhance natural collagen growth.
Candidates for Laser Scar Removal
The best candidates for laser scar removal are those with relatively light skin and for which the scar tissue has stopped spreading. African Americans are not good candidates for laser scar removal, although the new developments with the radio frequency energy treatments have shown promise for acne and hypertrophic scarring. It is best to consult your skin care physician to determine whether you are a candidate for laser scar removal.
Cost for the Treatment
Cost for laser scar removal is based on several factors; the cost for the facility, the cost for the anesthesia and the physician fees. These costs will also depend on the extent of the scarring, the required treatment time and number of treatment sessions. Individual treatment sessions can last anywhere from a few minutes to 90 minutes.
After Laser Scar Removal Treatment
After treatment, the skin may feel raw and sore. You may be advised to wash the area with mild soap and to apply some anti bacterial ointment or cream. If significant pain persists, then an oral pain reliever may be prescribed by the doctor. The skin may begin to regenerate as soon as four days after treatment.
Laser scar removal is only one of the many areas of skin treatment covered in this section of our website. Visit other pages to learn about laser tattoo removal, Botox treatment, hair removal and skin care treatments. Also, visit other sections to learn about breast augmentation surgery, facial plastic surgery, body contouring and other type of plastic surgery.

