We believe the “completion” of a surgery is not just suturing, but ensuring that scars do not remain.
Laser treatment can flatten scars, reduce color differences, and create a more natural skin texture.
Laser Treatment
Aftercare is as important as the surgery itself.
Mamms Clinic Plastic Surgery strives to improve the size and shape of scars through laser treatment tailored to each patient’s scarring stage.
Post-operative Laser Care
Laser treatment for surgical scars is necessary to improve their size and shape.
Laser treatment can flatten scars, reduce color differences, and create a more natural skin texture.
Redness, pigmentation (black or brown), keloids, or hypertrophic scars can form after surgery. Lasers soften thick skin tissue and make scars less noticeable.
We treat post-operative scars that can cause itching or discomfort.
Custom, tailored treatments are available depending on each patient’s scar condition.
At Mamms Clinic Plastic Surgery, we facilitate fast recovery through our post-operative laser care program as part of our aftercare service.
The types of scars that may occur after surgery, along with their treatment processes and prevention methods, are as follows.
Red Scars
Red scars are typically the color seen in the early stages of scar formation, caused by inflammatory reactions or concentrated blood vessels during the healing process. While red scars may naturally fade over time, they can be improved faster through treatment. There are various ways to treat red scars, and the primary treatments are as follows.
What is the DDR Vascular Laser?
The DDR vascular laser is a laser therapy technology used to treat vascular diseases and skin issues related to blood vessels. DDR stands for Dynamic Double Regulated. It targets the redness of blood vessels by selectively absorbing melanin and hemoglobin within the vessels, effectively improving red scars visible on the skin surface.
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are effective in reducing inflammation in red scars and inhibiting the dilation of blood vessels. Typically, multiple injections are required at intervals of 2 to 3 weeks, and the number of sessions and dosage may vary depending on the size and condition of the scar.
Hypertrophic Scars
A hypertrophic scar is a condition where excessive collagen forms during the skin’s healing process after surgery or trauma, resulting in a thick, raised scar. While some hypertrophic scars improve naturally over time, better results can be achieved through treatment. There are various methods available for treating hypertrophic scars.
What is the Er:YAG Laser?
The Er:YAG laser is a solid-state laser used for skin treatment and skin resurfacing. It utilizes light emitted from a YAG crystal containing erbium ions. This laser is used to regenerate the skin surface and improve skin scars, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
Characteristics of the Er:YAG Laser:
The Er:YAG laser has a wavelength of 2,940 nm. This wavelength is highly absorbed by the water in the skin, allowing for effective treatment of the surface layers (the epidermis and upper dermis). When combined with the moisture in the skin, it converts into thermal energy, which is then used to gently remove skin tissue.
Steroid Injections (for Hypertrophic Scars)
Steroid injections help reduce inflammation in hypertrophic scars and inhibit the growth of scar tissue.
Atrophic Scars (Surface Scars)
Atrophic or surface scars appear as shallow, broad marks on the skin. While they have a shallow depth and may have an uneven surface texture, they are generally characterized by not being thick or protruding. The following methods are used to treat these scars.
CO2 Laser (Fractional Laser)
The CO2 laser (fractional laser) has a wavelength of 10,600 nm, which is exceptionally well-absorbed by the water in the skin. This laser treatment promotes skin regeneration by creating microscopic wounds in the shallow layers of the skin. It stimulates the production of new collagen, helping to improve scar texture and even out skin tone.
Pigmentation Treatment
Pigmentation occurs when melanin accumulates excessively in the skin. There are several ways to treat pigmentation, and the most effective methods include the following:
Pico-Toning Laser
Pico-toning selectively, quickly, and finely shatters the melanin in pigmented scars, reducing color differences around the scar and evening out the overall skin tone.
Pico-toning is an ultra-precise pigment treatment laser that emits laser pulses in units of one-trillionth of a second (picoseconds). It delivers stronger energy in a shorter amount of time than conventional nano-toning, breaking down pigments in the skin more precisely and gently.
Minimizing Thermal Damage: By reducing damage to surrounding tissues, it lowers the possibility of side effects. Recovery is fast due to minimal irritation, allowing patients to return to their daily activities almost immediately.
Whitening Creams
Whitening creams contain various ingredients that improve pigmentation. Representative ingredients include:
-
Hydroquinone: Inhibits melanin production to improve pigmentation.
-
Vitamin C: Suppresses melanin production and evens out skin tone.
-
Arbutin: Brightens the skin and inhibits melanin production.
-
Niacinamide: Helps even out skin tone and alleviate pigmentation.
-
Azelaic Acid: Inhibits skin pigmentation and has anti-inflammatory effects.
These creams can be used for routine daily management.
What is the Nd:YAG Laser?
The Nd:YAG (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) laser is a high-power laser widely used in various skin treatments and medical procedures, utilizing light emitted from a YAG crystal doped with neodymium (Nd) ions.
The Nd:YAG laser shows high absorption rates in hemoglobin (the red pigment in blood vessels) and melanin (skin pigment). This makes it highly effective for shrinking blood vessels or improving pigmentation.
Precautions After Laser Treatment
Your skin will gradually improve over several weeks following the treatment, providing long-lasting and natural-looking results.
Since your skin becomes highly sensitive after treatment, it is essential to use sunscreen to avoid direct sun exposure.
The treated area may become dry. Apply sufficient moisturizer to soothe the skin and avoid any excessive irritation.
Your skin is in a delicate state. It is best to avoid scrubs or cosmetic products containing harsh chemical ingredients.
Recovery Period
In general, a recovery period of 3 to 7 days is required. During this time, slight redness or peeling may occur. It is important to maintain a thorough post-treatment care routine while resting comfortably.
Effective Solutions for Reducing Surgical Scars
Applying silicone gel sheets or creams creates a moisture barrier that balances the skin’s hydration. This helps alleviate inflammation and improves the color of the scar.
Vitamin C inhibits melanin production and brightens the skin tone. Daily use can prevent new pigmentation and help improve existing discoloration.
These are effective in preventing pigmentation caused by excessive sebum production. They are particularly useful for treating post-acne pigmentation.
Swelling & Regeneration Management
By emitting multi-wavelength light at 830nm and 590nm, this treatment activates cellular functions and promotes regeneration. It reduces swelling, provides anti-inflammatory effects, and alleviates pain.
This specialized ultrasound device for breast surgery promotes microcirculation and lymphatic flow. It helps reduce swelling and pain, encourages rapid stabilization of soft tissues, and softens any hardened tissue areas.