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Laser Scar Removal – Treatment for Acne Scars in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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What is Skin laser resurfacing?

Skin laser resurfacing refers to a non-invasive technique that makes use of laser systems to improve the appearance of defects on the skin. An example is the removal of scars that is commonly a result of acne. This procedure has been around for quite some time in the field of cosmetics and is always improving all the time in getting better results and making the procedure more comfortable.

The main underlying principle of skin laser resurfacing is the usage of lasers to heat the skin layer that contains a substance called collagen. Collagen is a protein that is considered to be a very important building block of many parts in the body including the skin. Collagen forms a network that gives the face a healthy, plump and voluminous looks.

Once a laser heats the skin layers, this stimulates the skin to remodel the collagen network that produces a younger, looking revitalized skin.

FAQ & Questions.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions by you, answered by our doctors.

Firstly, it helps to understand what a scar is. Just like fabric, our skin is a continuous structure. When this structure gets damaged, the body will repair itself. Collagen plays a role in this process of tissue healing. When we stitch a torn piece of fabric, the stitch itself is not similar to the surrounding textile. Scars are like these. The scars are formed in different ways. How they are filled, where they appear and their sizes affect the visibility of the scar.

The type of scars that can be formed on the skin include:

  • Contracture scars: As the name suggests, these scars involve the tightening of the damaged skin and as a result the scar becomes deeper. Some scars go very deep that they can affect underlying structures like nerves.
  • Hypertrophic scars: The opposite of contracture scars, they appear as raised, red scars. However, they do not grow beyond the area of injury.
  • Keloid: Very much like hypertrophic scars but the tissue grows beyond the boundaries of the original injury. Some can grow so big they impede movement.
  • Acne scars: There are many type of acne scars ranging from those that are pitting to angular scars.

There are as many options for treatments of scars as there are different types of scars. In general, the options are:

  • Creams: A type of cream available are steroid-based creams.
  • Anti-histamine pills: If a scar is itchy, anti-histamine tablets can stop the symptoms. Scratching scars may just worsen them. Prevention of scars is the most important step to take.
  • Surgical removal: There are many surgical techniques that can remove scars. They are suitable for different type of scars. Some of the surgical procedures include scar excision and skin grafts.
  • Injections: Steroid injections are effective in treating hypertrophic scars.

A scar is essentially the body’s way of healing skin damage. Once there is any damage like a cut or a popped pimple, inflammatory substances are released to promote skin healing. This process includes the laying down of collagen and the result is skin that is different in texture and appearances when compared to the surrounding skin. In general, the lesser the damage, the less noticeable the scar.

Scars, as explained above, grows, in different ways. Laser treatment works best on superficial scars. The heating of the collagen layer in the scar prompts it to remodel the network. Collagen will be rearranged giving making the appearance of the damaged skin more similar to the surrounding skin, reducing the appearance of a scar.

There are many different laser systems available. Some are carbon dioxide based, some are erbium based. There are ablative lasers and fractional lasers. In the end, the best system is the one the practitioner is most familiar with as the procedure’s success is very operator-dependent. Generally, systems now use fractional lasers so that surrounding skin is not damaged as these lasers can be controlled to target very specific areas.

Is laser skin resurfacing right for me?

It depends, would be the accurate answer. It is best to speak to a doctor so that you can discuss your goals and expectations of treatment. Once that is established, the doctor will determine the right treatment for you.

Laser skin resurfacing is a good option for many people as it is non-invasive, less risky and does not have much downtime compared to traditional surgery. However, in general, laser skin resurfacing is good for more superficial lines, wrinkles and scars. However, if an imperfection is very minor, it might not need a treatment like laser as over-the-counter products might be effective enough.

There is also a need to consider the characteristics of a person’s skin type such as as colour, ability to repair itself, age and general health.

In general, the more extensive the laser treatment, the longer the recovery time. On average, you should expect to be off work for a few days to let yourself recover. Also, avoid strenuous activities. For deeper and more extensive treatment, you should expect to be off work for up to a week.

The number of sessions depend on the severity of the scars. For lighter scars, even one treatment may suffice. Acne scars tend to be deeper, so it may need a few sessions to completely vanish. The doctor will be able to decide this by the initial assessment of the scar and post-treatment follow-up.

Aside from removing scars to reveal a clear skin, the collagen remodelling also has the additional effect of giving your face a more plump and voluminous look that is characteristic of healthy skin. Laser skin resurfacing can be beneficial for the conditions below:

  • Acne scars
  • Wrinkles
  • Blotchy skin
  • Surgical or traumatic scar

laser scar removal before 1

laser scar removal after 1

 

*Results May Vary

laser scar removal before 3

laser scar removal after 3

 

*Results May Vary

laser scar removal before 2

laser scar removal after 2

 

*Results May Vary

*The above pictures are for illustration purposes only. Your