New Laser Technology

Today, several new laser techniques are available to treat a wide variety of scars and stretch marks. The laser's energy stimulates the skin under the scar and causes the fibroblasts in the skin to divide again. It also stimulates the production of collagen. This thickens the skin under the scar until it closely resembles the surrounding normal skin.

Do laser scar and stretch mark treatments hurt?

Most patients do not require anesthetic. Some patients have indicated that they feel a slight tingling when the laser pulses, or that the laser pulse feels like the snap of a rubber band against the skin.

What should you expect after treatment?

Results vary from patient to patient and may not be immediate. Results from laser scar and stretch mark treatment are generally progressive and may require multiple treatments. If you respond to the first treatment, your second treatment will usually be as good as the first, and the third will be almost as good. About 70% of patients receiving laser treatments for their stretch marks notice a marked improvement. Newer and shallower stretch marks and scars respond better than older and deeper scars and stretch marks. To enhance the results of your laser treatments your surgeon may recommend the use of tretinoin cream or a glycolic acid cream prior to and after your laser treatments.

Do laser treatments work?

Our current laser technology has been shown to improve or eliminate red or raised scars. Recent studies have demonstrated that laser treatments stimulate the production of collagen and improve or eliminate the appearance of stretch marks.

Additional studies show that the appearance of stretch marks continues to improve over a period of time ranging from 3 to 6 months after the laser treatment was given. Even these treatments that showed little if any initial improvement showed as much as a 50% improvement at their 6 month checkup.

Does the treatment cause discoloration?

The skin in the immediate treatment area may red for up to two weeks, but it does not usually cause any discoloration or other markings on the skin. The low power setting of the laser only stimulates the skin and does not harm any healthy tissue.

Who are the best candidates for laser scar and stretch mark removal?

The patients that respond the best to laser treatments for scars and stretch marks are those with:

• Fair complexion and light pigmentation
• Shallow scars or stretch marks

What else can lasers treat?

Lasers are used to treat a variety of skin conditions including:

back to services list

With time facial skin begins to show signs of wear and tear. Lines and creases appear while skin begins to loosen and sag. Age spots may also appear. The effects of sun, smoking, stress, poor nutrition, pollution and alcohol all accelerate the aging process.

Laser Resurfacing is one way to erase the ravages of time on delicate skin. Lasers are particularly effective to remove fine lines, treat scars and reverse the effects of sun damage.

How Does Laser Resurfacing Work?

LASER stands for Light Amplified by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation.  Medical lasers use an intense beam of light to gently remove the outer layers of skin that have been damaged by sun, wind, pollutants and time. This beam of light is so concentrated and precise that it does not affect the tissue surrounding the targeted area. With lasers, physicians can achieve dramatic results by uncovering new, undamaged skin.

There are several types of lasers used to resurface the skin. Two types of lasers are currently in use for Laser Resurfacing: Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Erbium. Indications and results are similar for both types. With the Erbium laser, recovery time is much shorter than the CO2. Your physician will discuss the benefits of each with you to determine the best laser treatment for your skin.

Local anesthesia is usually sufficient. For more extensive treatments, IV sedation may be used to prevent discomfort.

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Resurfacing?

Lasers are commonly used to successfully treat age spots, freckles, moles, keloids, tattoos, certain types of skin cancers and other skin growths.  There is some risk of pigmentation disturbance with darker skin tones.

Various factors contribute to whether or not you are a good candidate for Laser Resurfacing. Your physician will consider all medical history, age, skin type, skin pigmentation and desired results before recommending Laser Resurfacing.

What Can I Expect After Laser Resurfacing?

Recovery after Laser Resurfacing typically takes one to three weeks. The skin must be kept moist for seven to ten days with ointments and/or bandages. After the first week, the remaining redness can be covered with cosmetics until it fades. After a few weeks, the skin will fade to a normal tone and will have a softer, fresher look. 

An actual patient of Dr. Nestor   Before Laser Resurfacing Treatment After Laser Resurfacing Treatment

back to services list