How soon after surgery can a surgical incision be treated with a fractional laser?

Question

The non-dissolvable surface sutures have been removed, but there are still buried polydioxanone sutures in the area that could take as long as six months to fully dissolve. In my own experience, laser treatment works much better on fresher scars. Do I have to wait six months before getting Fraxel or pulsed-dye laser treatments? Will lasers disturb the existing dissolvable sutures?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

William Groff, DO · Answer

It’s true that fresh scars are more easily treated than old scars, but you should wait until your surgeon gives you the all-clear before moving onto Fraxel. Waiting a few months won’t create tough scar tissue. Your scar should still be responsive to Fraxel. Scars can be difficult to treat, no matter how new they are, so you may need co-therapy with microneedling or chemical peels. Be sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist who is an expert at improving and smoothing out scars.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest consulting with the physician who performed the surgery as every case is different. Per standard, the newer the scar - the easier to treat. Consult with the rendering physician to determine what is safe/suitable for your case. Best, Dr. Emer.

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

This is something to ask your plastic surgeon to clear you for any laser treatments on the incision. Most sutures will dissolve on its own and flatten out but lasers could help flatten them. However, follow up with your plastic surgeon

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

The amount of time that you can have the laser really depends on the surgical scar.  Without photos it is impossible to tell.  V-Beam you can have done quickly but fractional, in general, it is best to wait 3 months. Please consult an expert in scar treatment for the best cosmetic results. Best, Dr. Green

How soon after surgery can a surgical incision be treated with a fractional laser?

Answers (6)

Answer: Lasers on scars

Answer: Lasers on scars

Answer: Laser and Surgical Scars

Answer: Laser and Surgical Scars

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How soon after surgery can a surgical incision be treated with a fractional laser?

Answers (6)

Answer: Lasers on scars

Answer: Lasers on scars

Answer: Laser and Surgical Scars

Answer: Laser and Surgical Scars

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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.