How long must one wait after an injury has healed to have fractional laser surgery to reduce the scar?

Question

Hello! I recently (1 week ago) had a mole removed that looks like it might leave a small indentation in my skin. I am extremely worried as this is on my face and would like to know any suggestions that you have to help with this sooner. More specifically, I've heard that the best time to have laser scar therapy is 6-8 weeks after an injury has healed. Is this true? if so, I want to make sure I book some fractional laser ASAP! Thank you!!!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for acne scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Acne scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic acne scars and indented acne scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your acne scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would recommend waiting for at least 6 weeks for healing purpose but for the meantime, use retinol at night and daily SPF 30 with zinc. I hope this helps!

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about fractional laser.Do you have pictures?

To be sure what is best for you, see two or more experienced, licensed
and board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make
sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment.

I hope this helps.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Laser treatment may be effective, but the outcome depends on how the mole was removed. Please consult with a board-certified dermatologist to help determine a treatment option that’s right for you.

Wayne Foster, MD, FACS · Answer

6 weeks after the injury is the time when maximal collagen turnover occurs.  Therefore, laser resurfacing usually Is most beneficial at this point.  Other factors should be considered including recent sun exposure, skin type, location of the scar as well as others.

How long must one wait after an injury has healed to have fractional laser surgery to reduce the scar?

Answers (6)

Answer: Scar Treatment

Answer: Scar Treatment

Answer: Laser after injury

Answer: Laser after injury

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How long must one wait after an injury has healed to have fractional laser surgery to reduce the scar?

Answers (6)

Answer: Scar Treatment

Answer: Scar Treatment

Answer: Laser after injury

Answer: Laser after injury

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fractional Laser

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