Scars

Most injuries to the skin result in scars, whether cuts, scrapes, burns, acne/chicken pox scars, or stretch marks from pregnancy. In addition, many people have scars from major surgical procedures. When the skin is injured, collagen is formed beneath the skin to reconnect the broken tissue of a wound. For the new skin to form and heal, a dry, temporary crust (a scab) is formed over the wound. When the damaged skin is healed, the scab will fall off. However, sometimes reconnecting the broken tissue will leave a scar.

Erbium Laser Treatment

Erbium lasers are used to remove ultrafine layers of scarred skin, which has two effects. Firstly, it softens the transition between the scarred tissue and the normal skin surrounding it. Secondly, it stimulates the production of new collagen in the scarred area, enhancing the skin's ability to regenerate new cells. This results in flattened, remodeled, and tightened skin.

Number of Treatments: 1-4

Procedure Length: 15 Minutes

Maintenance: As Needed

Discomfort: Mild

Price: Starting at $250

Subcision

Subcision is a minor in-office surgical procedure used to treat scars. It involves inserting a small needle into the skin to release the acne scar from the underlying tissue. Once disrupted, the depressed region of the scar will lift and appear smoother cosmetically.

Subcision is done with a local anesthetic, so there is minimal discomfort. There is minimal downtime, with swelling and bruising being the most common side effects.

The pain, swelling, and bruising typically take 1 to 2 weeks to heal. The number of treatment sessions you’ll need will depend on the scar's severity and your body’s ability to form scar tissue. It may take several months for the scar to become less visible.

Subcision can be combined with a resurfacing laser to get even better results.

Number of treatments: 3-6

Procedure Length: 30-60 minutes

Maintenance: As needed

Downtime: 7 days

Discomfort: Mild