Yes, the Fraxel laser can be used to treat scars. The Fraxel laser does not remove scars, because scars are permanent.
Scars are visible because of color and/or surface texture changes compared to the surrounding skin. Scar treatments or revisions are very individualized procedures that depend upon the appearance, characteristics, and size of the scar. Unfortunately, there are no medical or surgical treatments to remove scars completely.
Abdominoplasty scars that are less desirable may show one or more of the following characteristics: widened and raised, widened and thinned, pink color, visible capillaries, or pigmented.
Corticosteroid injections can be utilized to treat raised (hypertrophic) scars. Multiple injection sessions are usually required. This will help flatten and soften the scar but will not change the scar width.
If the scar is pink in color, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL™) or a pulsed dye laser may help to lighten that coloration. But these treatments do nothing for the surface texture.
In patients with darker skin colorations, scars may show hyperpigmentation. This pigmentation has resulted from the inflammation associated with the surgery and healing process. Scars that are darkened (hyperpigmented) are often difficult to treat. Many times the only way to effectively remove the pigment from a scar is to excise the entire scar. But there will be a risk that the pigmentation may occur again in the new scar. Pre- and post-treatment with skin care products (bleachers, retinol, etc.) may help to reduce recurrent hyperpigmentation.
Lasers are used more commonly to address textural issues and provide smoothing and blending. Lasers work best when textural issues are less severe. Some lasers may not be used on all skin types; and laser resurfacing may be more risky, or not possible, in individuals who have dark skin. The Fraxel laser is one of the better options for treating scars and works well for acne scars and post-surgical scars. The Fraxel can be utilized for all skin types with proper adjustments. Lasers treatments should probably be delayed until after 90 days post-op. Fraxel treatments could then be performed monthly as needed.
And there are times when it may just be better to re-excise the entire scar. Abdominoplasty scars are subjected to significant tension following surgery. This tension may account for some of the undesirable healing. Once a scar has fully matured, scar excision/revision may produce a more acceptable result because the tissues have relaxed
Combining the above treatments may improve results.
Your surgeon should be able to guide you with helpful suggestions and recommendations.
Best wishes, Ken Dembny