Scar Removal

by CO2 Laser

Treatment By

Laser Specialist or Doctor

Treatment Type

CO2 Ablative Laser

CO2 Fractional laser

Cortisone Injection

Pigmentation Removal Injections

Downtime

Minimal

Treatment Time

10 – 30 Minutes

Results Seen

After single or multiple sessions with CO2 Laser or injections

Discomfort

Mild

Many people will develop one or more scars in their lifetime. These can appear as a result of injury, surgery or burns. They develop when the dermis (the deep layer of the skin) is damaged. Typically scars, if left untreated will be permanent but now there are non-surgical aesthetic treatments to reduce the appearance of these scars. We use a variety of methods to treat scars, primarily using the DEKA SmartXide Touch CO2 laser with minimal downtime and excellent cosmetic results.

Treatment Areas

  • Scars from injury
  • Surgical scars
  • C-section scars
  • Self-harm scars
  • FUT hair transplant scars
  • Scars relating to pregnancy
  • Keloid scars

Treatment Benefits

  • Suitable for all skin types

  • Treats different types of scars

  • Performed by a laser specialist or Doctor

  • Amazing cosmetic results

  • Restores confidence for visible scars

When the skin is damaged as a result of an injury, surgical incision or accident, scars are a painful memory of the event. There are many types of scars and often an individual’s skin reacts differently when damaged. Scarring is a natural part of the skin’s healing process and as new tissue is generated to replace the damaged tissue, new collagen fibres are generated. The new skin will naturally have a different texture to the untouched skin surrounding the scar – causing a different appearance. When your body produces too much tissue, the incision can turn into a raised scar (also known as a hypertrophic scar or keloid).

At Eve Clinics we can see patients who develop the following scars:

Acne scars as a result of severe or moderate active acne. Acne scars can appear on a number of areas of the body like the back and arms. More often than not, acne scars develop on the face and are very noticeable, leading to patients seeking treatment. There are different types of acne scars, including the following.

  • Ice-pick scars (deep, narrow, pitted scars)
  • Rolling scars (large depressions with a sloping edge)
  • Boxcar scars (large depressions with sharply defined edges)
  • Atrophic scars (flat, thin scars or depressed scars)
  • Hypertrophic / keloid scars (thick lumpy scars)

We can also treat scars left behind after surgery. These can typically include C-section scars, scars after replacements (such as knees, hips, shoulders), FUT hair transplants (that leave a long thin scar on the back of the head), scars after plastic surgery and scars left behind from minor surgeries (such as surgical mole removal).

Of course, we can treat scars left behind after an injury or self-harm episode.

Although scars can appear at any age above 18, many have old scars they wish to reduce. These can successfully be treated using the CO2 laser carried out by our laser practitioner or Cortisone injections given by our surgeon.

Keloid scars are common and are particularly aggressive. They are thick, raised scars and come from overgrown scar tissue. Keloid scars are most common on darker skin types.

Although scars are harmless to your physical health, they can be very damaging to your mental health. Many patients will try to cover up scars with make-up, hair styles, face coverings or clothes. Luckily, there are now non-invasive methods to target scars leaving smooth, rejuvenated skin behind.

Raised scars should be started with cortisone followed by CO2 laser to improve the appearance of the skin. If scars are pigmented, we can introduce some whitening injections. Scars needs to be matured and you should ideally wait at least 6 months after formation. Indented scars can be treated with a little dermal filler that will help to smooth the skin.

Our treatments are bespoke to your individual concerns and our specialists provide successful results. We first start with an initial medical consultation to get to know your skin concerns and treatment goals. For some scars we must also do a patch test to ensure you are suitable for treatment, can benefit from the results and to ensure patient safety. We must conduct a medical consultation first to devise a treatment plan that may involve a combination of different procedures, depending on the scar type, area and severity. We’ll take a full medical history and provide you with the very best aftercare instructions so you can receive the best outcome.

Depending on the procedure, we will first apply a numbing cream or injection to make you more comfortable. Treatments are minimally invasive so involve little discomfort. For typical scar removal treatments, we use the DEKA SmartXide Touch CO2 Ablative Laser. This works to target scar tissue on the skin at the deepest level. The treatment is suitable for all skin types. The procedure will take around 30 minutes and around 3-5 sessions are normally required for best results. Treatment is suitable for healthy patients over the age of 18 and we can treat almost any area where a scar is present. The CO2 ablative laser only targets problematic, damaged skin, leaving healthy tissue untouched. Patients will be able to see the best results 6-8 weeks after their final session. During treatment, the laser glides over the skin to stimulate the production of collagen. The laser works by removing the thin outer layer of the affected skin. Because the laser sterilises the skin, you will not see any blood and there is a low risk of hypo/hyperpigmentation. Those with darker skin types are at a higher risk of experiencing hyperpigmentation after treatment. This can be discussed during your consultation and a specialist protocol taken. After the treatment course, patients will have healthy skin with diminished scars and an excellent cosmetic improvement.

The Deka SmartXide CO2 Ablative medical grade laser is the best laser and treatment for the reduction of scars and is backed by decades of research and clinical studies. It’s backed by a proven safety record and offers excellent cosmetic results. We choose the very best technology for our patients and are 100% confident in the treatments we offer.

Cortisone injections are also an option for some. They are carried out by our Doctor and typically used for Keloid or hypertrophic scars to reduce the size and soften them.

Whilst there is sometimes no way to avoid scarring, you can take precautions to reduce the effect of the scar. Your injuries should ideally be treated immediately and you should leave scabs alone – no picking or scratching! Wounds should be covered and movement minimised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our laser specialist will first examine the area of concern and provide you with the best treatment option. Most scars can be treated at Eve Clinics with the CO2 laser or steroid injections.

At Eve Clinics we can treat all types of scars. After assessment and medical consultation, we will advise you on the most suitable laser and protocol. We may need to combine in alternative sessions the Deka SmartXide Touch C60 ablative or fractional CO2 laser with Candela vascular laser. This way we are stimulating the fibroblasts and collagen better and the results are quicker and improved.

If the scar is raised or you have a hypertrophic/keloid scar, we advise prior to the laser 1-3 sessions of cortisone done with our surgeon with a gap of 4-6 weeks in between.

In African or Asian skin types, very often dark marks called PIH are seen. We can treat this with melanin inhibitors/ whitening injections but these are always advised after laser treatment once the scar has been treated.

Hypo pigmented flat scar: Occasionally you may see an improvement in hypopigmentation as well but it is very difficult to predict the result. However, after few CO2 skin resurfacing laser sessions, you may decide to cover it up with paramedical camouflage tattooing. Generally the tattooing can’t be done successfully on scarred tissue.  E.g. Scars after hair transplant

Infected scars: You need to treat the infection first and wait 2-4 weeks until your next scar management laser treatment.

Fresh scars immediately after accident: It is best is to wait 6 months for the scar to mature. Very often the scar will heal nicely and you may require only a short session or no treatment at all. You can always apply silicone patches on the scars to keep them well hydrated and SPF to prevent pigmentation. Check with your GP first.

It is actually very uncommon for a person to have absolutely no scars on their body. Most scars however are small and hidden so do not cause any concern. We treat many visible or noticeable scars at our clinic.

The minimum wait would be 6 months from the last day of Roaccutane.

A Patch test is required prior to the procedure to ensure patient safety.

We always advise to drink plenty of liquids, hydrate your skin daily and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

If you can arrive at the clinic without make up, this will be much appreciated. Alternatively, we can help you to remove the make up at the clinic.

We often treat stretch marks at Eve Clinics in Leamington Spa.

We advise not to wash the area treated in the first day but you can wash the next morning.

Please avoid hot baths, swimming pool and hot tubs for up to 1 week. Eve Clinics will advise you to use skincare as well, alternatively you can buy aloe vera gel and savlon from over the counter.

Make sure you don’t have an important event immediately after the procedure. The area treated may have swelling a bit and have little fine brownish dots for up to one week.

Please ask the advice of the specialist if you intend to do other treatments or facials, peelings, lasers, in between the sessions, there may be restrictions or limitations of 4-6 weeks minimum after your last Co2 laser treatment, e.g: hair removal laser treatment.

No makeup is advised for up to 3-4 days.

Sun protection (SPF50) should be applied for up to 3 months and you should avoid direct exposure for 2-4 weeks.

Depending on the type of scar, we advise a minimum gap of 6 weeks in between the sessions and maximum 3 months. The longer you leave it, the better the results. The best result is observed after 3 months after each session but often our patients advise after 6 months they can see even better results.

Scar treatments are suitable for all but we may vary the protocol slightly depending on the type of scar and skin type.

Yes, we can treat the very old scars with very successful results.

Scars will not disappear but will more than likely fade over time. Treatment is needed if you wish to see a vast improvement in the appearance of these scars.

As with any cosmetic, aesthetic, surgical or laser procedure, there are risks. These include hyperpigmentation, where the skin appears darker in the area being treated. We advise the use of melanin inhibitors prior to and after the procedure to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.

There is also a risk of hypopigmentation in all skin types and especially in African skin type. Scarring is also possible but rare. Risks are minimised by using appropriate and medical high quality equipment, like the Deka laser and the correct protocol for skin and scar type.

Cortisone, can create a temporary or extremely rare hypo or hyper pigmentation on the area treated.

Yes, pigmented scars can be treated at Eve Clinics by the whitening injections. Also, very often after cortisone injections, the PIH will be visible reduced.

Generally our doctor would advise you 1-3 sessions of whitening injections on the pigmented scars, to see results. Occasionally you may need more, this can be discussed with our doctor during your medical consultation.

*WE DO NOT ADVISE WHITENING INJECTIONS ON LARGE AREAS OR FULL BODY

Firstly we need to flatten your scar with a couple of cortisone sessions, followed by couple of laser treatments. Occasionally our doctor will do this in the same session. At the end, if the pigmentation is not faded, the doctor will inject some whitening injections.

Most of the time, scars can be successfully removed within 3 sessions. Occasionally, depending on the skin type, you may require additional sessions and we can’t guarantee total removal but a very good improvement.

If the scar is very deep, and the patient wishes to have perfect skin, the quickest treatment is to fill it with the dermal filler. This would give instant results and will keep the scar hydrated. Unfortunately, is a temporary fix and needs to be redone after 12-18 months.

Scars are not likely to return once treated with Co2 ablative laser.

Our laser practitioners have decades of combined experience in aesthetic and skin procedures, including treating a range of scars. We only use the best medical equipment on the market that provides the best cosmetic results. Patient safety and care is also at the forefront of everything we do. We will provide you with our honest expert opinion and only progress with treatment if you are suitable and will be able to benefit.

Most of the clinics use Dermapen, or fraxel 1550nn laser to treat scars. This will benefit only the superficial part of the skin. At Eve Clinics, we combine CO2 laser fractional and ablative 10600nn, this allows us to treat very deep scars and stimulate the fibroblast and collagen.

Occasionally we can combine alternative sessions with Deka CO2 ablative laser and/or Candela vascular laser, these lasers work in synergic to improve not only the scar tissue but the red colour of the scar as well or the broken capillaries.

Scar Removal Videos

Scar Management

Before and After

scar b 1scar a 1

I have just completed my CO2 Laser from Florina at Eve Clinic & I am so pleased with the results. Florina was so accommodating, put me at ease and went above and beyond every time. Thank you so much x

Arpan,

Other treatments you may be interested in

STRETCH MARK

Stretch Mark Removal

ACNE

Acne Removal