Scar Treatment in New York

Scars are often unwanted reminders of medical conditions, injuries, trauma, or surgery. When they are noticeable, they can also lead to significant embarrassment and self-esteem. Fortunately, there are ways to treat scars today that do not involve incisions, anesthesia, and downtime.

Top, board-certified dermatologists at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York® treat a variety of scars including acne scars, red scars, brown scars, white scars, surgical scars, raised scars, and depressed scars. We treat patients of all ages, including young children, through laser therapies and injectable treatments designed for maximum improvement.

The ability to customize treatments to the precise needs and skin tone of each patient is the primary factor in a successful procedure. Our physicians lead the field in scar treatment with more than 100 laser devices to choose from. Through extensive experience and expertise, we are able to achieve superior results that attract patients from across the country and around the globe.

What Causes Scars?

Scars can be caused by an injury, accident, or as part of a disease process such as cystic acne. They form when the dermis (the skin’s middle layer) becomes damaged. To repair the damage, new protein-rich collagen fibers develop. Too little collagen can leave depressed scarring, while an overproduction can cause raised scars to form. The new scar tissue will have a different texture compared to the surrounding tissue. They can appear red and thick, feeling smooth and rubbery to the touch, then fade to a pinkish hue over time.

Are There Different Types Of Acne Scars?

Yes. There are several types of acne scars, including:

• Atrophic scars – flat, thin, shallow depressions
• Boxcar scars – broad, box-like depressions with sharply defined edges
• Ice pick scars – deep, narrow, pitted scars that point down into the skin’s surface
• Rolling scars – broad depressions with sloping edges and varying depths that cause the skin to appear wavy and uneven
• Hypertrophic and keloid scars – thick, lumpy scars. Both are caused by excess scar tissue, but keloids grow beyond the wound and into the surrounding skin

Most of the laser treatments performed at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York involve little discomfort for our patients. We will apply a topical numbing cream or local anesthetic prior to the procedure when necessary to prevent a painful experience. Our doctors are highly experienced in using these devices and will take the steps to ensure your treatment is experience is both positive and as comfortable as possible.

How Does Laser Therapy Treat Scars?

The laser’s high-energy light will effectively remove outer layers of the skin (referred to as ablative laser therapy) and will stimulate collagen production in the inner layers. As the top layer of your scar peels off, skin will appear smoother and the appearance of the scar becomes less noticeable.

Non-ablative laser therapy works by heating the dermis to trigger collagen production, encouraging new, healthy skin cells to grow.

Radiofrequency devices and pulsed light sources can also be used to make scars less noticeable without damaging the outer layer of skin.

Can Lasers Help Treat Mohs Surgery Scars?

Yes. Pulsed Dye Laser, CO2 ablative fractional lasers, or a combination of both can be used to reduce the appearance of scars after Mohs surgery. If Mohs surgery was performed in our office at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, our board-certified dermatologist can repair the skin with laser treatments.

Can Injectables Be Used For Scar Removal?

Yes. We can offer a combination of treatments for optimal results, including Botox and dermal fillers. Injectables can improve the appearance of scars for smoother, clearer skin. While Botox softens the skin to minimize scarring, fillers can safely and effectively plump depressed acne scars.

When Is The Best Time To Treat Scars?

While we can treat old/fully healed scars, it is best to have a scar treated before it has fully matured. Ideally, you should come to us within 6 weeks after an injury (before you have finished healing). The sooner you get treated, the better the outcome.

Questions about Scar Removal treatments? Contact us at laser & skin surgery center of new york today!

If you’re tired of covering up your scars with clothing or makeup, you may benefit from having a scar removal treatment by our expert dermatologists at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. Regardless of what type of scarring you may have, our renowned dermatologists can effectively treat them and provide you with the best results. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.

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