Although scarring is a natural part of the body’s healing process, certain scars can be emotionally devastating, disfiguring, and aesthetically unpleasant. They may also produce certain side effects, including: severe itching, tenderness, pain, sleep disturbances, anxiety or depression, and the disruption of daily activities. Depending on the depth and size of the initial wound, the location, and the age, sex, ethnicity, and genetics of the patient, there are different types of scars that can develop. These include:
- Keloid Scars: Scars that result from an aggressive healing process that causes scarring beyond the initial wound that can sometimes reduce mobility. These scars are usually raised, red, and commonly seen on people with darker skin tones.
- Contracture Scars: Scars that form as a result of previously burned skin that tighten and can reduce the ability to move freely. This type of scarring can extend below the skin and affects the nerves and muscle tissue.
- Hypertrophic Scars: Scars that are similar to keloids in appearance, however they do not extend beyond the boundary of the initial wound.
- Acne Scars: Scars resulting from previous acne breakouts that can either be deep pits, angular, or wavelike in appearance.
What Treatment Options Does Dr. Manrique Offer Her Patients for Scars?
Treatment options for scars depends on the severity of the scar as well as its age. Scars generally respond best to treatment the earlier they are treated, ideally within the first year. To reduce or erase the effects of scars, Dr. Manrique suggests the following treatments:
Fractional Non-Ablative Skin Resurfacing:
Fractional non-ablative skin resurfacing uses a Cynosure ICON 1540 laser to improve skin texture and irregularities, as well as to reduce the appearance of scars. It works from the top down to stimulate your skin’s natural collagen, rejuvenating skin cells below the surface to help smooth creases and pockets that cause scars.
Fractional Ablative Skin Resurfacing:
Fractional ablative skin resurfacing uses a Cyonsure Icon 2940 laser to create multiple micro-thermal (heat) zones that vaporize the outer layer of skin, stimulating collagen production and causing the skin to self-heal. Fractional ablative lasers penetrate through the surface into the deeper layers of the skin where they can significantly improve the appearance of scars. Fractional ablative resurfacing treatments deliver the potency of typical ablative treatments without the significant side effects and prolonged downtime.
How is the ablative Cynosure Icon 2940 laser different from the non-ablative Cynosure Icon 1540?
Fractional ablative lasers are stronger than their non-ablative counterparts. With the fractional ablative technology, one treatment can provide an incredibly noticeable improvement in skin texture and tone. Fractional ablative Cynosure Icon 2940 is designed for correction of moderate-severe photoaging usually in a single treatment.
Non-ablative Cynosure 1540 is a milder laser. It can improve mild to moderate skin damage with little to no downtime. Usually, three treatments are required.
The new 2940 fractional laser removes the deeper fine lines and wrinkles on the skin, even those more resilient lines around the lips known as “smoker’s lines”.
The Cynosure Icon 2940 laser system offers dramatic results that can make you look 10-15 years younger without the risks and lengthy downtime involved with an invasive facelift, other surgeries or aggressive ablative laser treatments. If you want to smooth out those fine lines and wrinkles or repair other skin damage, Dr. Manrique can help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan at NewEra Medical Aesthetics and Laser Center.
