Scars
Although scars may, in some cases, fade to some degree, they can leave raised, itchy, tight, uncomfortable and red marks.
Recent advances in optical technologies have produced various laser systems capable of revising the appearance of scars to improve their appearance. Different laser systems are available, and the combination of laser and devices is essential, the choice of the device and approach being dictated by each patient as an individual.
Your child will be assessed by the Scar Team and if laser treatment is felt to be appropriate, you and your child will have a consultation with a Laser Consultant, who will explain to you why this treatment has been recommended for your child, what it involves, and the risks and recovery following the procedure.
Depending on your child’s scar and overall needs, we can offer different types of laser treatments to improve a scar.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser
Fractional CO2 laser treatment is one type of treatment of choice for burn scars. Laser treatments can smooth out scars and improve their texture and flexibility. It can also reduce pain or itching. It’s effective for thick, lumpy, itchy and tight scars.
ND-Yag laser
We use ND-Yag laser for scars that are red/vascular, or to lighten hyperpigmented (dark) scars and usually for scars in hair-bearing areas which can become irritated as hair grows.
ND-Yag laser hair removal is a non-invasive treatment that involves removing unwanted hair using the laser. The laser device works by emitting pulses of light energy that penetrate the skin and destroy the hair follicles, while the device’s handpiece cools the surrounding skin The high level of energy in the laser is taken up by the pigment within the hair (melanin), which converts the energy into heat destroying the hair and the hair bulb at the follicle, which is deep within the skin.
Multiple treatments are needed for laser hair removal because not all hair will be in the same phase. The best results also occur when there is plenty of pigment (melanin) in the hair so white, blonde and grey hair will not respond. It is unrealistic to expect all unwanted hair to disappear with laser treatment.
Pulsed Dye Laser
We use Pulsed dye Laser for itchy, red/vascular scars.
Laser therapy produces a narrow beam of light, the beam of light is then absorbed by the red colour within your blood vessels. As the light is absorbed, it causes the vessel to heat up. This destroys the blood vessel and causes a bruise which will fade over 1 –2 weeks.
Each treatment consists of multiple pulses. A pulse is referred to as a ‘dot’ this is where the laser beam touches the skin. Small marks may only need a few ‘dots’ larger marks may need dozens of ‘dots’ but this will not take more than a few minutes.