Scars are a natural way your body heals. Unfortunately, some scars can hurt your self-esteem or make you feel self-conscious. Laser therapy is an innovative way to reduce or remove the appearance of scarred tissue.
Dr. Eric Mai at STL Vein and Cosmetics in St. Louis performs state-of-the-art laser therapy to minimize the appearance of scars. By using the most advanced tools, Dr. Mai and his team of professionals offer scar removal treatments to minimize the appearance of trauma scars, stretch marks, and surgical scars.
Your body heals by developing scars. Injuries, surgery, infections, and skin conditions like acne may all lead to scarring.
A body that has suffered an injury wants the damage to be repaired as soon as possible, so your body produces collagen to heal wounds. A scar looks different from its surrounding skin because collagen is a structural protein that's thicker and less flexible than your skin. At least one kind of scar has affected everyone, and there are a few different types.
Many people are embarrassed by scarring caused by severe acne. In some severe acne cases, these scars will appear like deep pits, while others appear wavy or angular.
Darker skin types tend to have more of these scars. Typically, keloid scars occur when the body heals damaged skin too aggressively. This kind of scar tissue spreads widely and causes a raised area. You may experience keloid scars from a variety of factors, such as acne or a burn.
Like keloid scars, hypertrophic scars leave behind a thick layer of tissue. Unlike keloid scars, they're raised and red but don't extend too far.
Scars from a burn are called contracture scars. Nearly everyone you know has likely burnt themselves at least once. Sometimes, a burn is bad enough to leave a scar that varies from minor to very deep and can even damage muscles and nerves.
According to how much collagen your body produces, scars can appear flat, raised, depressed, or even vary in color. Additionally, some scars may itch or hurt.
At STL Vein & Cosmetics, we offer scar removal as part of our cosmetic services. Surgical scars, stretch marks, and fracture scars can all be reduced with a personalized treatment plan. Our experts achieve the best results using advanced technology like the Fotona laser system.
Medical and dental industries use the Fotona laser systems in a variety of applications. As a result of the laser’s longer wavelengths, it reaches the toughest layers of skin. Light, rather than heat, provides comfort and relaxation throughout the scar treatment process in this innovative, non-surgical solution.
Fotona benefits many patients struggling with scar tissue because the procedure is almost painless. The Fotona laser uses light to pass through your outer layer of skin, so there’s no serious discomfort during your treatment.
At STL Vein & Cosmetics, scar removal takes place in the office. According to the location, size, and type of scar you have, Dr. Mai and his team develop a customized scar removal treatment plan.
Your provider first wipes an antiseptic cloth on your skin during treatment as you relax in the exam chair. Then, a handheld laser tool directs laser energy to scar tissue. You might feel a warming sensation, but most patients tolerate laser scar removal with little to no discomfort.
Fotona is a nonsurgical, noninvasive procedure, so there’s no downtime to worry about.
For more information about the minimally invasive treatment option that Dr. Mai offers to reduce the appearance of scars, call our specialists today. We’re happy to assist you in our Creve Coeur or South County offices.
