How to Prevent Scars or Scarring from a Laser Treatment?

Whether you use a Fraxel type of CO2 laser or traditional CO2 laser, the risk of scarring always exists. Any laser treatment that ablates the skin can result in scarring although the risks are small. Certain areas like the neck and bony prominences of the face are more prone to scarring. Even in careful experienced hands this unfortunate occurrence can occur. To tell you otherwise would be not true. The reason why Fraxel has been touted as causing less scarring is because normal skin bridges are left intact between treated areas. However, if you are the type of person prone to scarring, this can still occur despite your surgeon's best efforts. That being said in 16 years of practice, the occurrence of scarring is still very rare and can usually be treated if noted early. A more common occurrence is skin lightening over the period of years.

Obviously, every procedure carries with it the risk of complications. However, the beautiful thing about fractionated lasers is the consistency of depth achieved with the settings used. So when used properly by a Physician experienced in the cosmetic use of lasers, the risk of scarring is very low. Lasers are a resurfacing tool, but the tool will only be as good as the practitioner using it.