LASER REMOVAL OF SCARS AND ACNE SCARS

Scar is connective tissue produced during the healing process that replaces tissue damaged by injury or disease. It occurs at the site of skin damage: its structure, structure, color and function are different from healthy skin. Initially the scar is usually pink, then fades, and finally turns pearly. Due to the lack of the original pigment, it does not regain the color of normal skin. The most visible and unsightly are flat scars with an uneven surface and color, sometimes causing contractures. The shape and type of scar depend on many factors. Among other things, the cause of the injury, e.g. a wound or burn, the area of the body that was injured, the duration of healing and, finally, the individual tendency to excessive scarring. Scar formation is part of the body's natural healing process and results from the biological process of repairing wounds to skin and other tissues. Most wounds, except very minor ones, result in recurrence scars.
Scars can occur as a result of trauma, skin diseases such as acne, or surgery.

Scars of various origins can be effectively removed in our center using laser Er:Yag laser Fotona Spectro SP strong> about the wavelength of light 2940nm. Fotony erbium lasers use this wavelength for minimally ablative, quick treatments that remove microelements of damaged tissue, resulting in a profound thermal effect. Classic non-ablative fractional treatments leave thousands of microelements in the skin consisting of hot, dead remains of the treated tissue. Excess heat from this tissue is trapped in the skin, causing unnecessary pain and discomfort. Foton's fractionating head immediately removes hot tissue remnants from the skin, reducing pain and speeding up recovery. Clean microchannels have the same thermal impact zone as microchannels after non-ablative fractional treatment, but do not cause irritation, swelling or pain. After treatment with the Fractional Photon head, the microchannels close and heal much faster than in the case of classic non-ablative fractional techniques. Fotona Spectro SP's Er:YAG laser achieves maximum results with minimum laser beam penetration depth. Spectro SP for fast, cold ablation. In XLP (extended pulse) mode, it provides the deepest thermal effects. This laser can ablate the epidermis or skin micron by micron, ensuring unrivaled precision and procedural control, short recovery periods and higher patient comfort and satisfaction. At the same time, Fotona Spectro SP is the fastest thanks to the highest power and advanced safety systems and the safest laser on the market. The Er:YAG laser combined with innovative fractionating heads allows for minimally invasive and safe treatments: skin photorejuvenation or removal of scars or stretch marks.

FOTONA lasers are modern devices enabling a number of procedures in the field of aesthetic dermatology, surgery and aesthetic medicine.

Scar formation

Scars occur when tissue damage reaches into the dermis. The healing process produces compact, poorly vascularized connective tissue made of new collagen fibers (a naturally occurring protein in the body). The resulting scar has a different structure and quality than the surrounding tissues.

Types of scars - based on their appearance, they are divided into:

Scars usually

At first they are thickened, hard, bluish-red in color, itchy or burning. Such changes persist for many weeks and months after the injury or surgery. The most common cause is a prolonged healing period. The final figure they reach six months to a year after the injury. During this period, there are gradual changes in the scars, which usually soften, shrink, the color becomes lighter, and the itching and burning disappear. This makes them much less visible.

Hypertrophic scars

They arise when the healing process of an injury is disturbed, e.g. after a postoperative wound infection or mechanical damage. Such scars are hard and quite wide. Being located near joints and tendons may make it difficult to function properly.

Keloids

Keloids are scars that enlarge after the wound heals. This is related to the individual predisposition of the body and caused by excessive production of collagen. Keloids form above the level of the surrounding skin and have the shape of bulges above the edges of the wound. The appearance of a keloid is a hard growth that is pink or dark red in color. A keloid may be painful and may interfere with normal functioning.

Capillary contractures

In case of severe injuries, such as burns, significant skin loss may occur. This leads to the formation of scars, pulling the edges of the skin together and causing contractures. The contracture may involve adjacent muscles and tendons, leading to restriction joint mobility. Scar contractures are an indication for surgical treatment to restore the proper functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

Types of scars – depending on the cause, they are divided into:

• Post-traumatic (surgical, post-injury, post-burn)
• Post-vaccination
• Post-inflammatory – e.g. acne

Acne scars

All types of acne can lead to scarring. The process of scarring begins quite early and affects 90% of acne patients. The intensity of scarring depends on the severity and depth of inflammation, as well as on time to start treatment. Acne scars are most often atrophic in nature. The atrophy process may affect the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Acne lesions undergo a repair process, undergo a phase of inflammation, granulation, fibrosis, as well as reconstruction and shrinkage of the scar. A characteristic feature of acne is the location of inflammation below the epidermis, below the pilosebaceous follicle, and therefore the scarring process most often affects the deeper layers of the skin. If In the course of inflammation, the pilosebaceous follicle ruptures inside the dermis, the inflammation spreads and deep tissues are destroyed and scars are formed in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. As scars mature, tissue shrinkage causes the scar to become deep and therefore very visible. Inflammation of the follicle and perifollicular tissue causes discoloration of lumpy scars resulting from the destruction and weakening of the fibers collagen in the tissue surrounding the hair follicle. If pus cysts develop in the course of acne, after they are emptied, empty spaces are created that are not filled by the atrophied subcutaneous tissue. Healing of lesions Concentrated acne is often caused by bridging, uneven, hypertrophic scars, which constitute a serious cosmetic defect. Aesthetically, clearly defined scars with an uneven surface are particularly difficult to accept.

Factors influencing the appearance of the scar:

• Genetic predispositions (there are people who will always develop a nice scar and those who will always develop a keloid)
• Age (better healing in children)
• Wound healing process – bleeding, suppuration
• Making cuts in the minimum tension lines
• Scar shape
• Type of seam used
• Scar location (chin, sternum, shoulder, upper back are areas of increased risk)

Treatment of scars of various origins:

Although scars cannot be completely removed, their overall appearance can be improved. Methods to improve the appearance of the scar include:

• Local treatment by using products such as creams, where the active substance is most often onion extract enriched with allantoin and heparin. In Poland, the most commonly used drug of this type is CEPAN, silicone patches and gels, other preparations, e.g. Kelo-cote.
• Oral pharmacological agentsthat are intended to reduce symptoms and cure keloid or hypertrophic scar include: Calcium, Vitamin C and E, Retinoid, Tretinoid. They are most often used in combination with surgical debridement. They inhibit collagen synthesis and stimulate the activity of collagenase. One of the agents is 5-Fluorouracil, which is mainly used in the treatment of cancer. In the treatment of keloids is used due to its inhibitory effect on the growth of fibroblasts. It is used as monotherapy, injected into scar tissue, with steroids or together with laser therapy.
• Surgical treatment. Although it is not possible completely remove scars, surgical treatment may change the shape of the scar or make it less noticeable. Surgery is not recommended for hypertrophic or keloid scars because there is a risk of repeated keloid formation.
• Steroid injections are used to treat keloids and, in some cases, hypertrophic scars. The effectiveness of this method is high, with a low incidence of relapses. The full treatment consists of several steps – several injections performed at intervals of several weeks. The treatments involve intradermal injection of corticosteroids directly into the scar. The most frequently used preparation is Kena-log at a dose of 10-40mg/ml, 1-6 times at intervals. 2-4 weeks old. The disadvantage of this method is pain and side effects in the form of atrophic skin changes. Excessive scar lightening (depigmentation) and telangiectasia (development of a network of small blood vessels in the area) are also often observed. lesions).
Low-dose superficial
• Radiotherapy is used to prevent recurrence of severe forms of keloid and hypertrophic scars. Treatment is only used in extreme cases due to potential long-term side effects.
• Dermabrasioninvolves removing the scar along with the skin. Dermabrasion is useful when the scar is raised above the skin, but less useful in the treatment of indented scars. Microdermabrasion is about a much less invasive form of dermabrasion and can be useful for very superficial scars.
• Laser therapy, like dermabrasion, removes layers of the skin's surface using various types of lasers. The most effective is a neodymium-yag (Nd:YAG) laser with Er:YAG. The laser beam inhibits the production of collagen, disturbing its metabolism and synthesis from fibroblasts within scar tissues. At the same time, it causes an increase in collagenase (an enzyme that breaks down collagen) and intensification of the collagen breakdown process, i.e. collagenolysis, which gives a feeling of reduced tissue tension.
• Injectable fillerscan be used to lift sunken scars to the level of the surrounding skin. The side effects of these injections are usually temporary, but require regular repetition.

Laser removal of scars and acne scars:

The effect of the Fotona Spectro SP fractional laser is the elimination of scars thanks to the ablation of overgrown tissue to the level of healthy skin, and the elimination of stretch marks is possible by using a light beam of different strength and time. The ability to shape the tissue is very effective, and the skin healing period is 3 - 7 days. In the case of stretch marks, remember that fresh lesions can be completely cured, while in the case of several-year-old lesions, we can only improve their appearance and tension, which ultimately leads to better condition and tension of the skin, and thus significantly improves the aesthetic effect.

Contraindications to laser therapy:

• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Pacemaker
• Bloathing disorders
• Epilepsy
• Some skin diseases - rosacea, vitiligo, psoriasis
• Tan (too much accumulated melanin absorbs a large dose of energy, which may cause skin discoloration). You should not sunbathe (sun, solarium) 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the treatment
• Tendency to discoloration
• Active viral or bacterial lesions on the skin
• Use of certain medicines:
• Medicines that reduce blood clotting; anticoagulants, e.g. aspirin
• Steroids
• Photosensitizing drugs: some antibiotics, e.g. tetracycline, doxycycline derivatives of amine A, some cardiological drugs and others, e.g. furagin
• Use of some herbs: marigold, St. John's wort
• Using creams with retinol

Recommendations for the patient before laser scar removal treatment:

• Do not sunbathe (sun, solarium) for 4 weeks before the procedure
• Do not use exfoliating treatments (peeling) for a week before the treatment
• If you use drugs: anticoagulants, steroids, photosensitizing drugs, they should be discontinued (if possible) 7 days before the procedure, and then they can be used again 14 days after the procedure
• Do not drink alcohol on the day of the procedure
• The treatment is performed on clean skin (cosmetics should be washed off before the treatment)

For a few days after the procedure:

• Do not use soap, spirit or alcohol-based tonics
• Do not perform peelings or other treatments
• Do not wipe the areas after treatment with a sponge or towel
• Do not irritate the skin in the treatment area

Recommendations for the patient after laser scar removal treatment:

• It is not recommended to use a hot bath or sauna 14 days after the treatment
• It is not recommended to sunbathe (sun, solarium) for 4 weeks after the treatment
• It is not recommended to perform intense physical exercise for 7 days after the procedure
• For facial treatments, use creams with a filter of at least SPF 30 for 4 weeks after the treatment
• Cosmetics can be used only 24 hours after the treatment, alcohol-based preparations should be avoided and skin moisturizing preparations should be used
• You should come for a follow-up visit after the procedure

Why do we remove scars and acne scars with the Nd:YAG and Er:YAG Laser FOTONA SPECTRO SP?

Fotona neodymium-jag Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers - are modern devices enabling a number of procedures in the field of surgery, dermatology and aesthetic medicine. The spectrum of applications is very wide, ranging from laser epilation, acne treatment, photorejuvenation, skin cancer treatment, removal of varicose veins and laser lipolysis procedures. The Spectro SP laser achieves maximum effects with a minimum depth of laser beam penetration. This laser is the ideal tool for fast, cold ablation. Photona's Variable Square Pulse (VSP) technology adjusts laser parameters to suit the treatment, ensuring ease of use. Square pulses can treat various indications with incomparable efficiency, without overheating adjacent tissues, thus ensuring patient comfort. Additionally, built-in pulse feedback control (EFC) technology ensures that the laser output energy is always consistent with the parameters given to the patient will set itself, thus ensuring the highest level of system security and reliability.

The average power in quasi-continuous pulse mode is 30 WAT. The competition doesn't even come close to this result. Thanks to this, treatments are performed much faster and more effective. In the hands of a doctor, this laser is an almost perfect tool.

Effective scar treatment for all skin types:

The Spectro SP laser is the most powerful combination of an Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser. It provides the widest range of ablative and non-ablative treatments that a single laser system can offer. Nd:YAG Photons laser, which is part of this laser, with long pulses is characterized by homogeneous penetration and low absorption by tissue chromophores. These two advantages allow the Nd:YAG laser to reach deeper structures without damaging the epidermis, regardless of skin type.

Innovation of the Nd:YAG and Er:YAG Fotona Spectro SP lasers

This laser is equipped with a number of innovative solutions such as EFC (impulse feedback control) - a system that provides a previously unavailable degree of control over the energy of the laser beam pulse. Thanks to every calibration The laser always delivers a beam with precisely defined parameters, which increases the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Another innovative solution in Fotona Spectro SP lasers is the VSP system (variable square pulse – solution protected by a patent) allowing the generation of a pulse with given parameters with a negligibly short rise and fall time of the pulse energy. This increases the efficiency of the laser beam and simultaneously improves efficiency and speed treatment compared to other devices.

The Fotona Spectro SP laser, thanks to the highest power and advanced safety system, is the fastest and safest laser on the market.

The security of the Fotona Spectro SP system is:

• EFC (impulse feedback control)

Thanks to this system, we avoid a decrease in laser power during the treatment, which could lead to weaker or incomplete results. We also do not have to worry about energy surges that may cause tissue damage.

• VSP (variable square pulse)

Unlike other systems, where there is a sudden jump in energy and then a slow decrease, in the Fotona Spectro SP system the pulse energy distribution is even. This protects us against overheating and tissue burns. At the same time, the effectiveness and safety of treatments radically improve.

The effectiveness of the Fotona Spectro SP system is:

The Fotona Spectro SP laser, thanks to the combination of two laser beam wavelengths: Nd:YAG - 1064nm and Er:YAG - 2940nm, offers the widest range of treatment services among all those available on the Polish market. The neodymium-Jag laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm is the deepest penetrating laser beam available on the market, thanks to which it can destroy large-diameter vessels hidden deep under the skin. At the same time, thanks to homogeneous penetration, it has a very wide range of applications and minimizes the risk of tissue damage. High power in quasi-continuous pulse mode is 30 Watts. The competition doesn't even come close to Siudo's result. Using the 2940nm wave, for minimally ablative quick treatments that remove microelements of damaged tissue, resulting in a deep thermal effect. Classic non-ablative fractional treatments leave thousands of trace elements in the skin, consisting of hot, dead remnants of the treated tissue. Excess heat from this tissue becomes trapped in the skin, causing unnecessary pain and discomfort. The Fotona head immediately removes hot tissue residues from the skin, reducing pain and accelerating recovery. Clean microchannels have the same thermal impact zone as microchannels after non-ablative fractional treatment, but do not cause irritation, swelling or pain. After treatment with the Fractional Photon head, the microchannels close and heal much faster than in the case of classic non-ablative fractional techniques. Thanks to this, treatments performed with the Fotona Spectro SP system are much faster and more effective. With this laser system, all patient needs can be met, achieving excellent clinical results and unprecedented gentleness.