What are they?
Scars are the result of an injury to the dermis from surgical operations, trauma or accidents and its subsequent repair. They are formed by an excess or collagen defect in the traumatized area.
Who do they affect?
Between 5% and 16% of the population have some type of scar in their body.
Types
- Hyperpigmented scar: is characterized by a dark color as a result of a higher degree of melanogenesis. It usually appears when the scar is superficial and in dark phototypes.
- Hypopigmented scar: in this case the skin can’t produce melanin, so it has a lighter color than the rest.
- Atrophic scar: is characterized by being slightly sunken due to the lack of collagen. It’s especially common after acne or chickenpox.
- Hypertrophic scar and keloids: are produced as a consequence of an overproduction of connective tissue fibers. The hypertrophic scar, unlike the keloids, remains within the limits of the wound while the keloids surpass them.
Treatment
Depending on the type of scar, we will use one laser or another.
- Hyperpigmented scar: in this case the q-switched alexandrite laser or pulse light for medical use is used to clarify hyperpigmentation quickly and effectively.
- Hypopigmented scar: it’s advisable to use laser with ultra-violet narrow-band light to activate the color of the scar.
- Atrophic scar: we combine the fractional ablative co2 laser with the non-ablative fractional co2 laser.
- Hypertrophic scar and keloids: when the response to occlusive dressings and infiltrations is not sufficient, it’s recommended to use the non-ablative fractionated laser that acts on the collagen and the ktp laser and the nd: yag laser that act on the blood vessels that nourish the scars, reducing their metabolisms and its coloration.
More information here