Every surgery patient develops a scar. The color, texture, thickness, and size of the scar depends on what preventive measures a surgeon provides, and the type of post-surgical scar treatment performed.
Whether you are scheduled to have surgery or you are dealing with unsightly scars from a previous procedure, Injxellence offers several of the best scar treatments in New Jersey.
Laser Surgical Scar Treatment
Laser therapy addresses discolored and uneven surface scars. Using concentrated beams of light, we pulsate darkly colored scars to break up the pigment, allowing them to blend more evenly with surrounding skin. For scars that are bumpy or uneven, we use lasers to peel away the top layer of skin, which provokes new, smoother skin to grow in.
At Injxellence Med Spa, we have several laser options. The best scar treatment for you will depend on the texture and color of your scar. We recommend a consultation with a professional to determine the treatment that will best suit your situation and meet your goals. That treatment may include one or more of the following:
Lutronic Hollywood MDF aggressively targets texture and pigment to even out the surface and color of the scar. We can begin treatments 3 months after surgery, and repeat them up to 3 times 4-6 weeks apart. Patients can expect a 5-7 day recovery.
Lutronic Hollywood Spectra is a toning laser that breaks up brown and red pigments. Treatment can begin as soon as stitches come out or glue dissolves, and patients can expect 6-10 treatments spaced 2-4 weeks apart. Spectra requires no downtime.
Lutronic Ultra Thulium targets scars with minor texture and pigment problems. Treatments begin 3 months after surgery, and are performed 4 weeks apart for a minimum of 3 times. Patients can expect to need 5-7 days to recover.
Cutera Laser Genesis is another toning laser for breaking up pigment in red and brown scars to speed up healing. Treatment begins as soon as stitches come out or glue dissolves, and is repeated 6-10 times 2-4 weeks apart. Cutera Genesis requires 0 downtime.
Sciton ProFrac smooths scars with an ablative laser. Treatment can begin 3 months after surgery and will need a minimum of 3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Downtime is 7-10 days.
What to Expect Before and After Laser Scar Treatment
Two weeks prior to beginning laser treatment, we will advise you to:
- Quit smoking, since smoking impairs the skin’s ability to heal.
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that thin the blood.
- Stop using skincare products containing retinol or glycolic acid.
- Stay out of the sun since we can’t perform laser treatment if skin is tan or sunburned.
- Refrain from collagen injections, chemical peels, or waxing.
On the day of treatment, we will use a local anesthetic on the scar and surrounding area, and may provide you with an oral sedative to help you relax. Wet towels or gauze will be placed over healthy skin so it is not affected by the laser, then we will pass the laser over the scar tissue.
After treatment is complete, the skin will be red. Healing ointment and a clean dressing will be placed over the scar area and should be left on for 24 hours. After that, the treated area should be cleaned 2 to 5 times per day with a saline solution, and ointment reapplied. You will need to use oil-free makeup for 2-3 months, and avoid sun exposure whenever possible.
Surgical Scar Treatment Using Microneedling
Microneedling punctures scars with tiny holes, which induces collagen production. As new skin grows in, the texture of the surgical scar and surrounding skin become smoother. Injxcellence Med Spa uses Lutronic Genius Microneedling with Radiofrequency (RF), which adds heat to the needles to increase the body’s ability to produce collagen.
In the past, microneedling for post surgical scar treatment was delayed for 6-12 months after surgery to allow the scar to fully mature. But recent research from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows that beginning microneedling treatment within the first few months of surgery can actually reactivate the healing pathway by producing collagen during the scar’s formation. With that being said, older scars can still benefit from microneedling since the treatment re-stimulates the healing process to improve scar texture. However, microneedling is not the best scar treatment for keloids, which are raised scars.
Radiofrequency microneedling is safe for all skin tones.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Microneedling
Before post surgical scar treatment with microneedling can begin, you will need to wait until the following criteria are met:
- Isotretinoin has been stopped for one month
- Sunburn has healed or tan has faded
- Any skin infection or pimples that contain pus have healed
When treatment starts, your provider will apply a topical anesthetic to the scar area to limit discomfort. They will then move the Lutronic Genius device across the scar and nearby skin. On average, each treatment takes around an hour.
Immediately after microneedling, your skin may appear red and swollen, and feel like it’s sunburned. This will last from a few days to a week. It’s important to wait 24 hours before wearing makeup.
Results appear gradually as the body continues to produce collagen. Improvement can be seen after a few weeks, with optimal results after 3 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart.
Your Injxcellence Provider will Discuss the Best Scar Treatment for You
If you are scheduled to have surgery at Breslow Center, your doctor will go over which post surgical scar treatments are best for minimizing scars in your particular procedure. If you’d like to see an improvement in the texture or color of a scar from a previous surgery, Injxcellence providers can examine your scar and discuss which treatment will provide best results. Schedule a consultation by calling 201-444-9522, or book online.
