Laser Scar Treatment
About Laser Scar Treatment
Unsightly scars have presented a problem for men and women for centuries. For many, disfiguring scars represent an unpleasant reminder of a past accident, surgery, illness, or skin disorder. While some attempt to hide their scars with makeup, others simply live with the constant annoyance and vivid reminder—every time they look in a mirror.
In the past, treatment options have been limited. With today’s technology, however, the situation has changed. Laser treatments (often coupled with other methods), can smooth, fill, soften and fade unsightly scars making them less noticeable.
Don’t live with scars any longer. Set up a consultation at the Gateway Aesthetic Institute & Laser Center to see how we can help.
The Visible Results
Before and After Photos
Questions? We can help!
What causes scarring?
A scar forms when the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin receive a severe injury or are disrupted by illness. As the skin heals, it may form lumps (hypertrophic or keloid scars), abnormal pigmentation (hypopigmented or hyperpigmented scars), red scars (vascular scars with too many blood vessels), or painful growing scars (keloid). Some scarring is caused by abnormal healing unique to an individual patient (keloid scars are of this type). Pitted scars are often associated with acne. Indented or ice-pick scars are typical of chicken pox, and darkly pigmented scars and white scars are caused when the skin’s pigment cells are damaged.
What treatment options are available for scars?
At the Gateway Aesthetic Institute & Laser Center, several options are available to treat any type of scar.
Laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments are used to soften lumpy scars, remove abnormal brown pigment, and reduce or remove redness.
Medications (such as Aldara, Kenalog 40, 5FU, verapamil, and others) are used to impede the growth of abnormal scar tissue.
Pressure and silicone patches are used, in combination with other treatments, to impede the growth of keloid and hypertrophic scars.
Soft tissue fillers, including permanent fillers, work well for depressed acne scars and areas where injury has caused tissue loss and dimpled or indented the skin.
Bimatoprost drops have been used with some success in treating white colored scars. White colored scars can also be surgically removed depending on size and location.
Laser resurfacing may be used to vaporize or fractionally treat abnormal pitted or contoured acne scars.
Decades of experience allow us to recommend the best treatment method for you.
Will my scar be removed?
Scars are not completely “removed”. Instead, their appearance is softened and lightened to make them less noticeable. The effectiveness of treatment will vary depending on the individual nature of each scar.
How long does treatment take?
Laser scar treatment is performed in our office as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. Depending on the treatment area and the type of scar, treatment time may range from a few minutes to two hours.
Are there any side effects of laser scar treatment?
In rare instances, changes in skin pigmentation may occur, though this side effect can generally be avoided by protecting the treated area from sun exposure directly following treatment. Infection is also rare, but can be treated with medicated ointments or antibiotics.
How and where is the treatment performed?
The treatments are performed at the Gateway Aesthetic Institute in Salt Lake City. The entire procedure takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Patients are given oral medications, numbing cream and complete tumescent anesthesia to insure that they are comfortable.
How do I know if my scar can be successfully treated?
Call Gateway Aesthetic Institute & Laser Center at (801) 595-1600 to schedule a consultation. We are located at the south end of the Gateway Mall in Salt Lake City at 440 West 200 South, Suite 250, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101.