Laser treatment of scars and keloids – How we do it

The existence of scars may present considerable problems for patients. As well as being sometimes disfiguring and having an influence on a person's perception of him or herself, hypertrophic scars and keloids can often also cause pruritus, dysesthesia and pain, and can form strictures.

Since the first attempts to influence hypertrophic scars and keloids with lasers, many refinements in the technology and improved laser treatment techniques have taken place. Flashlamp-pumped dye lasers and near infrared (NIR) lasers are the most frequently used lasers for hypertrophic scar treatment, whereas CO₂ and Er:YAG lasers are preferred to diminish atrophic scars. Non-ablative skin remodeling may be used for minor changes.

Lasers and other intensive light sources can also play a role in prevention of scars, and new strategies for acne treatment are on the horizon.