Is Laser Surgery on Hypertrophic Scars Recommended?

Question

I have a red, raised scar on my chin (partially faded) and I was wondering if it's recommended to have Laser treatment and if so what are the side effects? Thanks.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

Laser treatment of hypertrophic facial scars in my opinion has been very helpful in allowing them to resolve quicker with better results. We typically recommend vascular laser treatments to alleviate the redness or discoloration and that helps the scar to flatten faster with better results. I hope this information helps.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Pulsed dye laser works very well on scars on most parts of the body.  The vascular laser can help smoothe thickened scar tissue. Surgery90210

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

This truly depends on the type of laser and in some instances the use of IPL may provide an improved results. In some instances, I have seen the laser aggravate or stimulate additional scar growth.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Using a pulse-dye laser &/or IPL can be helpful in reducing redness in a scar, and somtimes flattening the scar a little. For thickened scars, there is still no better treatment than intralesional cortisone, and occasionally a little liquid nitrogen. 
See your dermatologist or plastic surgeon for your best & safest treatment options.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Many lasers are proposed as effective for treating Hypertrophic Scars. Some are for redness (Pulsed Dye) some make scars worse (CO2) but in my experience none are as effective as the 1540 Non ablative Fractional Erbium Laser.

	WE have had excellent results using the 1540 even on new surgical wounds.

	We typically start with IPL Intense Pulsed Light to reduce redness followed by the 1540 to reduce bulk.

Is Laser Surgery on Hypertrophic Scars Recommended?

Answers (5)

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