Can Fraxel Laser Be Used on Raised Keloid Scars Effectively?

Question

I have scars on my chest region from a case of sun poisoning that I had as a teenager. Unfortunately, I have keloid skin and I've attempted to have them removed, but it was unsuccessful.

Monika Kiripolsky, MD · Answer

This is a great question. Let me preface my response by saying . . . please consult with a board-certified physician, who is well-trained in using lasers and can evaluate the particular scar to which you are referring, before deciding upon whether or not this treatment is appropriate for you.

	In my experience, fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing (ie. Fraxel Re:pair or Active/Deep FX) actually can improve the appearance of a keloid or hypertrophic scar (if performed on appropriate settings by a trained physician). I have used it on patients with hypertrophic and keloidal scars that developed after a localized trauma to the skin as well as on burn patients who've had a mixture of hypertrophic, keloidal, and atrophic scars encompassing large portions of their body. The use of topical agents (for example a mid-to-high potency petrolatum-based steroid versus 5-fluorouracil) applied immediately after the laser procedure, as well as twice per day over several days following the procedure appears to be key to preventing overgrowth of scar tissue from recurring.

	There have been great strides in the treatment of scars using lasers over the past few years. These treatments can be lifechanging to patients who've had large areas of their body burned. Not only is there an "aesthetic" improvement to the areas of their bodies covered with scars, but, functional improvements can be seen as well. For example, scar contractures over joints - which limit one's range of motion - can actually be softened after one or more treatments with a fractionated ablative laser.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Keloid management must follow a protocol approach. Our office uses a combination of Vbeam laser, Kenalog IIT, scar modulation, scar serum therapy, and enucleation. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianRealself100 Surgeon

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

The Fraxel Re:pair and Re:store lasers do not penetrate deeply enough to treat the depth of the keloid.  In fact, if it did, it might stimulate more collagen production in the keloid and make it worse. Excision (surgical removal) could make it worse too, but often corticosteroids are injected in the scar repeatedly after surgery to decrease the chance of it recurring.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi,
Sorry to hear about your scars.  Fraxel repair will not treat keloids effectively.  Unfortunately the chest skin is delicate and higher levels of the laser would not be safe and would probably cause more harm than good.  Fraxel repair may help in a series of treatments.
Be well.
Dr. P

Can Fraxel Laser Be Used on Raised Keloid Scars Effectively?

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Answer: Can Fraxel Laser be used on raised keloid scars effectively?

Answer: Can Fraxel Laser be used on raised keloid scars effectively?

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Can Fraxel Laser Be Used on Raised Keloid Scars Effectively?

Answers (4)

Answer: Can Fraxel Laser be used on raised keloid scars effectively?

Answer: Can Fraxel Laser be used on raised keloid scars effectively?

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Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.