Scars and Lasers

By: Tali Arviv, MD

One of the most difficult conditions to treat yet the most rewarding is scars. Scars come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Patients often come to improve scars from acne, chickenpox, accidents, bites, on the face, and on the body. It is extremely important for patients to improve the appearance of scars because it affects their self-esteem, especially if they are on the face. When I have the opportunity to treat patients with scars, it is a very rewarding experience. Fractional CO2 is the best treatment for scars in patients who are Fitzpatrick skin type I-IV. In most cases, it requires multiple treatments but up to 30% improvement with each treatment can be seen.

Is Laser Scar Removal Right For Me?

Laser scar removal is right for you if you have scars, wrinkles, blemishes, or spots on your skin.

There are a few exceptions when laser scar removal may need clearance from your doctor, such as:

• If you suffer from light sensitivity
• When you have underlying medical conditions like diabetes, herpes, or predisposition to cold sores
• If you’re on blood-thinning medication or expectant
• If you’re a consistent smoker
• If you have a darker skin tone

How Much Do Laser Treatments Cost?

Laser scar removal cost in Miami, FL, varies depending on the type of procedure to be performed, type, size or number of the scars or even the service provider. But on average, expect it to be between $200 and $3,400.

As much as you’d like to keep the costs low, you should find the perfect fit between cost and the most effective laser treatment.

You can look up different costs by each provider, but scheduling an appointment is the best method to get an accurate cost estimate.

Procedures for Laser Treatments for Scars

There are three main procedures used in laser treatments for scars. These procedures are differentiated based on the types of lasers used and the targeted area of the skin.

Some procedures target both the epidermis or outer layer of the skin and the dermis or inner layer of the skin, while others target a single layer of the skin. This is because scars form differently, and different approaches are needed to remove different types of scars or spots.

You can have hypertrophic scars which protrude above the skin, and atrophic scars, which are sunken or stretch scars that result from growth spurts.

These three procedures include:

Fractionated CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

This procedure penetrates deeper into the skin using continuous bursts of light beams. However, the lasers only focus on a small part of the injured skin, destroying damaged cells and encouraging optimum collagen production.

At the same time, this procedure leaves out some parts of the skin to allow for healing and prevent infections. You can expect a full recovery in at most two weeks.

Before using fractionated CO2 laser skin resurfacing, lasers were focused on the entire area of the injured skin. Although effective, 100% CO2 laser resurfacing caused extended healing periods and complications like hyper and hypopigmentation.

Lasers used in this procedure include carbon dioxide and erbium lasers.

Arviv Aesthetics offers the best fractionated CO2 laser skin resurfacing in Miami, FL.

This procedure is best for skin rejuvenation to treat photo-aging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, or acne.

Ablative or Laser Resurfacing

Ablative or laser resurfacing works by focusing lasers on removing damaged cells in the epidermis or outer layer of the skin. It also heats the inner layer of the skin or the dermis to stimulate optimum collagen production. You can expect smoother or firmer skin and less visible blemishes or spots on your skin.

Lasers used in this procedure include erbium and thulium fiber lasers.

This procedure is best for treating scars or spots on the skin, wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone, or chickenpox scars.

Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing

In non-ablative laser resurfacing, only the dermis or inner layer of the skin is targeted using lasers to encourage collagen production. The epidermis or outer layer is untouched in this procedure.

Lasers used in this procedure include erbium and thulium fiber lasers.

This procedure is best for removing wrinkles, light scars, or brown spots.

Laser Scar Removal in Florida

Laser scar removal is the best method to remove any scars, spots, or wrinkles on your skin. It’s also important to find the most qualified dermatologist, and it may be tough to determine the best dermatologist offering laser scar removal in Tampa, given the many options available.

As a rule, do not work with service providers who offer laser scar removal services without conducting a proper diagnosis. The consultation or diagnosis may be free or paid, depending on the dermatologist.

Additionally, only work with the most qualified and experienced dermatologists for guaranteed best results. You should also confirm that a dermatologist is certified by relevant regulatory bodies like:

• The American Academy of Dermatology
• HealthGrades Directory
• Florida Academy of Dermatology
• Florida Department of Health
• American Board of Dermatology

Get the Best Laser Scar Removal in Miami

You can never go wrong with Arviv Aesthetics.

Dr. Arviv is a qualified and experienced dermatologist well versed in treating varied skin conditions. You can expect the best diagnosis and laser scar removal in Miami, guaranteed to leave your skin glowing better than ever.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.