How can I avoid getting scars from laser treatments?

I agree with Dr. Naficy that the cosmetic laser industry is vastly under-regulated at present. In California, that will be changing soon. Unfortunately, the technology has progressed at such a quick pace that the needed standards and regulations are lacking. Websites such as this one is a good start in educating the public.
We'd like to believe that our facility is involved in setting higher standards within our industry. With that said, I'd like to suggest that avoiding complications of scarring with laser treatments can be addressed in many other ways than to suggest that only a certain type of doctor should do the treatment. Also, stating that Fraxel or fractionated technology will avoid scarring leaves much unaddressed as scarring can result from a variety of lasers and treatments.
*Find a facility that operates under current regulations and exceeds them.
*Make certain that the practitioner knows which treatments and lasers are safe for your skin type.
*Ask for photos of actual patients that have been treated.
*Ask for information on risks vs. benefits
*Above all else, do your research and ask questions.

Lasers treatments are the most unregulated medical procedure performed today. Many medi-spas and skin clinics that offer laser treatments do not have an experienced medical doctor on site to evaluate the patient before the procedure and to be present to deal with any potential complications.

Ideally, laser treatments should be performed in a medical setting (not in the so-called medi-spas or skin clinics), such as the offices of a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon.

The nurses and aestheticians who actually perform the laser procedures should be under the supervision of a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who is physically present on site. Presently, less than 20% of laser treatments are performed in such a manner.