Scar made worse immediately after VBeam, is this a normal side-effect for scars and will it improve?

Question

I have a small recent hypertrophic scar on my nose, which was healing fine but remained slightly red and very slightly raised. I went to a dermatologist today who suggested VBeam and performed a few zaps using a non-purpuric module, so wasn't too intense and did not hurt. However, my scar instantly swelled up and became more raised and red right after, this has continued for 6 hours, I'm scared it won't improve. If I put pressure on the scar it remains flat for a while before raising again.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is not unusual to have some swelling and increased redness after a Vbeam treatment.  You could use ice on and off for the swelling but both issues will improve over more time.  It can take a month or two to see the full results after the treatment.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Vbeam laser is the gold standard for deeply red or pinkish hyperemia on the skin from skin trauma or surgery. We use this laser quite often to improve redness in combination with Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily. Options for red scars include scar modulation, intralesional injections to reduce inflammation, vbeam laser, and IPL treatment. Many sessions are required which is why you should schedule with a trained clinician familiar with scar treatment and Vbeam pulsed dye laser.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Pulsed dye laser/Vbeam causes the scars to swell and become red after and for hours to days later.  Honestly, most hypertrophic scars are treated at purpuric settings otherwise they do not flatten -- and this leaves scars dark purple and inflamed for a week or so.  If you are concerned, please speak to your treating physician.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jerome Potozkin, MD · Answer

I would not worry if you have redness and swelling immediately after V Beam treatment.  That is a normal reaction.  If it doesn't subside after several days I would contact the dermatologist who did the treatment.

Scar made worse immediately after VBeam, is this a normal side-effect for scars and will it improve?

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