What Exactly Causes the Skin to Scar?
Scars are the result of a chaotic wound healing response which leaves behind fibrotic tissue due to irregular collagen formation. There are different types of scars based on their tone and textural appearance, including:
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Atrophic Scars. Indented scars are caused by the skin's inability to regenerate tissue to fill in the "hole" or "gap". Think: severe acne scars, chickenpox scars, and scar caused by injury.
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Hypertrophic Scars. On the other hand, these scars are thick and raised due to an abnormal, "hyper" response to trauma and wound healing. Think: scars caused by accidents like cuts or burns or by surgical incisions.
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Contracture Scars. These scars are caused by the skin contracting, tightening, or shrinking during healing. Think: scars caused by particular types of burn healings responses.
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Keloid Scars. These scars grow up and out of the wound, bigger and wider than the initial injury. Traumatic injury leading to these scars can result in disfigurement, bleeding, pruritus (itching), and restricted range of motion, impacting overall quality of life. Think: certain healing responses to surgery, a piercing, burns, and even acne.
Available scar revision therapies depend on the type of scar, and can range from topical creams for mild scarring, to grafting in the case of large, traumatic scars. At your consultation, your Practitioner will discuss with you your concerns and goals and together, you will determine a customized treatment plan. Typically a combination of therapeutic techniques are recommended, to target different aspects of the scar(s).
Due to advancements in science, Laser Scar Revision has been proven to be an effective method for treating a wide range of scars in spot treatment and improves overall skin texture and pigment when used as a full facial and neck treatment. IPL can also be used to decrease pigmentation and vascular effects (i.e. colour irregularities). Laser scar therapies are our specialty and we will work together to find the best solution for you.
The Non-Ablative Solution
Our Resurfacing Laser, the ResurFX offers a range of ablative and non-ablative fractional resurfacing solutions to treat different degrees and different types of scars.
The Erbium Laser reaches an unparalleled depth of 4mm in a single pulse, enabling physicians to treat and rehabilitate scars with greater precision. With the smallest beam diameter and shortest pulse width in the industry, the UltraPulse delivers bursts of high energy at low densities that can treat a wide range of scars. The laser uses a unique ablation/coagulation ratio to substantially improve the structure of deep or contracted lesions by restoring more normal collagen deposition. This maximizes results, minimizes thermal damage, and reduces both treatment and recovery time.
What Can I Expect During My ResurFX Procedure?
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At the beginning of your ResurfFX Laser Skin Rejuvenation Treatment, we typically use a topical anesthetic lotion, to manage discomfort. Due to the non-invasive, non-ablative nature of the Resurfacing Laser, most patients find treatments very tolerable and comfortable. Additionally, we use a cooling air device that blows refreshing, cold air on the treated areas for further comfort. Treatments can take 20 - 90 minutes or more, depending on the size of the targeted area.
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Generally speaking, the recovery time following Laser Skin Resurfacing is short and comfortable. Immediately following the procedure, most patients primarily experience redness and some swelling, with many patients resuming their normal activities the day after. In the hours following, redness, swelling, and minor irritation similar to a mild sunburn may develop, but these effects typically subside in just a few days.
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Significantly, sun exposure both before and after treatment must be avoided and a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher should be worn daily in the days after the procedure. Once completely healed, ensure you continue to wear at least a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day to help protect your skin long-term.
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Typically, Resurfacing Treatments are performed in series. Due to the treatment resulting in minimal downtime, multiple treatments are required for significant and lasting results. We generally recommend at least 3-4 treatments, spaced out about 1-2 months apart in order to obtain optimum results; however, this varies by the individual and their goal and will be discussed in your consultation.
What Can I Expect Following The ResurFX Treatment?
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
More On the Technology
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Our Resurfacing Laser is the latest in "Non-Ablative", Fractional laser technology to improve skin discolouration, stretch marks, acne scars, wrinkles, and more. "Non-Ablative" means it does not destroy or damage the outermost skin cells, while "Fractional" means that the laser is only affecting a fraction or percentage of the skin.
The greatest benefit of our Resurfacing Laser is that it is powerful enough to achieve noticeable results (especially when undergoing multiple treatments) without the more intense downtime of CO2 Ablative Laser and other more traditional technologies. While recovery will still involve some peeling, crusting, and possible swelling, these should subside in a much shorter time.
Looking for effective scar treatments? Our clinic offers scar treatments starting from $250 and up. We also provide full face and neck skin rejuvenation treatment for $675, which includes red light therapy and a home care to optimize treatment and down time. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!