Definition – What is meant by laser scars?
After operations, injuries or burns, scars often remain on the skin as a result of a natural wound healing process. However, scar tissue differs from the surrounding healthy tissue in that it contains significantly more connective tissue, but no hair follicles or sweat glands. Scars represent a major aesthetic problem that could lead to severe psychological stress and social withdrawal for those affected. They may also be associated with pain of various degrees, which would further increase the need for treatment. For this reason, more and more people are turning to the method of removing these scars by laser treatment with a plastic surgeon.
Which scars can be lasered?
There are different types of scars, which can be distinguished by cause, shape and irritation reactions. Hypertrophic scars are characterized by an outstanding appearance, which is caused by an overproduction of connective tissue fibers. This type of scar usually occurs in permanently stressed or infected areas.
In addition, the skin in such areas is often reddened and irritated, so that these scars may also cause slight pain and itching. Another type of scar is the sclerotic type. It occurs mainly after injuries, whereby the skin is pulled inwards.
The most important aspect besides aesthetics is the restoration of mobility. The therapy of such scars takes a lot of time and patience, as it takes several months to years. The treatment includes surgical removal of these scars as well as fractional laser therapy.
Atrophic scars represent another form of scar tissue. These scars are usually the result of an inflammatory reaction over a longer period of time. These include pockmarks and atrophic acne scars.
The latter are in turn classified into different subforms. Especially the keloids are a big optical problem for the affected persons. These types of scars are often genetic and the result of excessive collagen production, so that the scar tissue exceeds the site of the actual injury, itching and pain are the consequences. The keloid is a form of wound healing disorder.
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