How Much Does Laser Scar Removal Cost?

Question

I need a laser scar removal. How much does it cost? Does this really work? How do I make a consultation? My scar is on my leg and on my knees. The keloid and the other scars became black and noticeable.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

the lower on the body a scar is, the more difficult it is to treat it without it looking worse from hyperpigmentation after the treatment. Some scars can be laser resurfaced but that might entail a gentle laser such as Clear and Brilliant or a more moderate laser such as Fraxel Dual. Other lasers such as PicoSure laser with focus lens array can be used. some scars have lost pigment and others are darker. some are raised and some are flat. there are different treatments for all these scars, but all procedures have risk of looking worse after the treatment on the legs.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Depending on the size and extent of the scar it can start anywhere from $200 and up.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Scars need a combination approach to get the most improvement. They can be improved with lasers, microneedling/prp, subcision and fillers. Cost will vary. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert. Best. Dr. Emer

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Laser scar treatments can be very effective at reducing the appearance of the scars.  Sometimes you may need several treatments to make noticeable changes.  I would consult with a surgeon who has several options at their disposal including lasers, surgery, fillers, etc.

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

Laser cost depends on the size of the scar and how many treatments are needed to get the scar looking how you want. It will cost at least a couple hundred dollars, and it could cost several thousand. Lasers can help reduce scar discoloration and can help flatten contours, but there are other therapies that may be better for some scars, including steroid injection and scar revision. I highly recommend consulting with a board eligible or board certified surgeon before deciding if laser is the best option.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Laser scar removal defines a whole class of treatments that range in cost from a few hundred dollars each session to several thousand.  I would consult with a scar removal specialist to determine the right combination of lasers.Our office uses several lasers and tech treatments to achieve results in scar revision, including sublative, ablative, fractional, non ablative, and RF.  Many of the scars we treat can initially be improved with twice daily application of Plato's Scar Serum, which is a silicone based polymer that can improve scars.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Flor.  We get this question very often from callers that want to get an idea of what it will cost to revise a scar.  The problem is until we see the scar, we're not sure what the treatment options are.  With textured scars it could be surgical removal, laser resurfacing or even steroid injections (hypertrophic or keloid).  Whereas with colored scars, we typically opt for lasers.  

	Your first step it to talk to several dermatologists and/or plastic surgeons with surgical and laser experience and get a feel for the different techniques available to you.  Having these consultations done would also give you an idea for the prices for the procedures.  Good luck.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Especially with scars that are thick and raised (hypertrophic) or extend beyond the normal scar boundaries (keloids), scar "removal" is not always easy or even successful, regardless of surgeon or technique used, including laser. This is even more problematic for darker skin types, and also for the knee areas, which heal poorly in many individuals because of the constant motion of the knee joint.

	Lasers do NOT provide any better excision technical advantage over a sharp surgical scalpel; in fact, lasers used to make incisions can actually create more scar tissue because of the "burn" (thermal injury from the intense laser energy) at the edges of the incision. Cold steel scalpels don't have this burn injury component. Excising keloids often lead to even larger keloids than the original!

	Lasers used for resurfacing will still leave the keloid base and a new freshly wounded surface, which can heal as bad, or worse, than the original scar.

	What you really need is a consultation with an experienced, board-certified (American Board of Plastic Surgery) plastic surgeon. If he or she is experienced in laser technology, then you can ask questions about this as well. Cost estimate will depend on the extent and size of the scarring, and the technique and time used; your consultation will answer this question as well. This could cost as much as several thousand dollars, or your consultant may recommend no surgery at all..

Ariel Ostad, MD · Answer

There are many treatment options available for scar treatment. To treat a scar for redness, you may use the Cutera laser. With a series of treatments you may help with the scar texture as well as reduce the redness. For raised scars such as keloids, we can use kenalog injections to flatten your scar, as well as microneedling to generate collagen rebuilding. Depending on the treatment selected and the size of the scar, scar revision can start anywhere from $500 / treatment and go up from there. There are also
surgical methods available if you are a candidate. It is important to have an in person consultation with a board certified dermatologist.  Best of luck to you!

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Scars on the legs and knees are more difficult to treat.  It really depends on the cause and your skin type when deciding on the best treatment.  If the scar is red then you can use the V-Beam laser to treat it.  It will take at least three treatments to help reduce this redness.  If the scars are dark and raised then you may be better off using bleaching creams containing hydroquinones and peels.  There are other lasers that can be utilized for these types of scars. eMatrix, Fraxel, Pico, Clear and Brilliant, among other lasers. However, in general, these type of pigmented scars are best treated conservatively and often laser may not be the best choice. Please post photos of the scars for more advice and consult an expert in scar treatments.  Best, Dr. Green

How Much Does Laser Scar Removal Cost?

Answers (19)

More Laser Scar Removal Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (19)

More Laser Scar Removal Questions

Is Laser Surgery on Hypertrophic Scars Recommended?

Can an African American Get Laser Scar Removal?

How to Get Rid of Dark Purple and Raised Scar?

Can Laser Surgery Correct Breast Reduction Scars?

Options for Shallow Scarred Pores or Ice Pick Scarring?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS