More People Are Reporting Scarring After Laser Treatments—Here’s What The Experts Are Saying
Posted on March 10, 2024 | by Boston Plastic Surgery
Laser treatments are a staple in the aesthetics industry and offer a minimally invasive solution for a variety of skin issues, from signs of aging and pigmentation to hair removal. However, there’s a concerning trend emerging: post-laser treatment scarring.
Here, the expert laser technicians at Boston Plastic Surgery’s Skin Wellness Center weigh in on the possible causes of this typically uncommon issue, and how you can choose the right provider to prevent scarring after laser treatments.
Are laser treatments safe?
Yes; plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and other aesthetic professionals have used laser treatments to improve the health and appearance of the skin since the 1960s. More recently, a 2022 safety study again confirmed that laser treatments performed by trained, highly experienced technicians are considered safe and effective with a relatively low risk of complications when used appropriately.
What are the causes of post-treatment scarring?
The rise in laser-related scarring, which can range from minor to disfiguring, may be caused by several factors or a combination of factors, including the provider, the device, or aftercare at home:
Inexperienced providers
Because laser treatments can deliver noteworthy skin rejuvenation results with little downtime, the demand for these procedures continues to skyrocket. Unfortunately, this means some providers may not be adequately trained on how to safely use the laser device or have the necessary understanding of skin anatomy to avoid complications. The wrong settings or techniques can result in hypopigmentation (skin lightening), hyperpigmentation (skin darkening), or scarring.
Your provider should perform a thorough skin assessment and review your medical history to confirm there is nothing that would prevent you from experiencing a smooth recovery and pleasing results. For example, patients who recently underwent radiation or who take certain medications that can weaken the skin should not receive laser treatments. Additionally, patients with deeper skin tones are more likely to experience adverse effects post-laser treatment, so it’s paramount that your laser tech can determine if you would benefit from laser treatments or offer alternative treatments such as traditional microneedling, radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, or chemical peels when they would be a safer choice.
The number of laser treatments performed increased by 26% from 2021 to 2022.
Faulty or non-professional devices
Ideally, your provider should only use FDA-cleared laser devices backed by safety and efficacy studies. Laser devices offer different treatment modalities and have customizable wavelength settings so your technician can optimize your results without increasing the risk of adverse side effects. Equipment that is not maintained correctly or is unregulated may not only deliver underwhelming results, but also scarring and pigmentation irregularities. Treatment rooms should also be clean and outfitted for the safe use of laser technology.
Lack of proper aftercare
While laser treatments do not typically require significant downtime, following all aftercare instructions is vital to experiencing outstanding results and preventing scarring and unwanted side effects. Your aftercare protocol will depend on the type and level of laser treatment you receive, but general aftercare instructions include:
- Do not pick at scabs or flaking skin.
- Keep the treated area clean and moisturized with gentle products.
- Avoid UV exposure for several weeks to prevent damage to healing tissues.
- Use daily SPF to protect your results and prevent new skin concerns from forming.
- Delay products with active ingredients, such as retinol or exfoliants, until your provider says they are safe to resume. (You will also be advised to stop using harsh products before your treatment to prevent unnecessary skin irritation or potential scarring.)
Most patients see the best improvement in their skin health and appearance after 1-3 laser treatments, so caring for your skin between sessions will help ensure your skin is in optimal condition for the next treatment, and you are happy with your final results.
How to choose a laser treatment provider
Scarring and other side effects, especially permanent ones, are exceedingly rare when you choose a provider with the expertise to personalize your treatment to maximize results and minimize potential risks. It’s also a good idea to read patient reviews and schedule a consultation to ask questions and gauge their knowledge and experience firsthand.
Since there is no specific licensing requirement to provide laser treatments, trust your skin to aesthetic specialists under the direction of a board-certified plastic surgeon. Choosing a physician-led medical spa helps you receive the most advanced treatment options, and each provider is trained to use the safest and most effective techniques.
At Boston Plastic Surgery, we offer the latest laser treatments designed to target some of the most common skincare concerns, all of which are fully vetted by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Fouad Samaha, including:
- IPL photofacial. This technique uses pulses of light energy to correct discoloration and improve the appearance and texture of the skin with minimal downtime. We also use IPL technology in laser hair removal and spider vein treatments.
- CoolPeel® laser resurfacing. CoolPeel uses an ablative laser, meaning it safely removes the dull, damaged outer layer of skin and boosts collagen and elastin production to improve signs of aging and revitalize skin wellness.
- Elluminate laser rejuvenation. Elluminate uses multiple wavelengths to target surface and sub-surface skin imperfections, including dark spots, redness, scarring, skin texture, and large pores for a brighter complexion.
Our laser treatments are performed by experienced laser treatment technicians who have undergone extensive training on the precise laser calibrations on each device to tailor your treatment for personalized results and to preserve your skin’s health. And part of your consultation with our skincare specialists includes determining which laser therapy will achieve your skincare goals as safely and quickly as possible.
Consult the experts at Boston Plastic Surgery for safe and effective laser treatmentsA knowledgeable provider will also ask about your skincare routine and previous treatments to avoid over-treating your skin.
Laser treatments can be a transformative and safe experience, and if you’re considering laser therapy, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our expert providers. We would be happy to discuss your goals and concerns and provide all the information you need to make an informed decision and experience outstanding results. Please call Boston Plastic Surgery at (617) 786-7600 or fill out our contact form today.
Ask about our monthly membership program! We offer an exclusive Dermfit Skin Fitness program to restore and condition your skin for comprehensive skin rejuvenation. The monthly membership includes curated products and treatments at discounted pricing to achieve healthier skin so you can age with confidence.
