Laser Scar Treatment
Scars don’t have to define you. At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, our board-certified dermatologists transform acne, surgical, and trauma scars using advanced laser, light, and energy devices and proven combination treatments. Your laser treatment plan is custom-built to smooth texture, fade discoloration, and reveal more confident skin.
What We Treat with Laser Scar Treatment
Unmatched Laser Technology
With 60+ laser, light, and energy devices, we can precisely target your specific scar type. Our collection includes fractional CO₂ lasers like UltraPulse and SCAAR FX for deep resurfacing, Fraxel DUAL, Re:Store, and Re:Pair for comprehensive texture improvement, picosecond technology like PicoSure for minimal heat damage, Vbeam Prima for redness reduction, and ResurFX for non-ablative collagen stimulation. This vast selection ensures we select the optimal device, or combination for your unique scarring.
Proprietary Combination Treatment Plans
Our board-certified dermatologists use advanced combination techniques backed by research to achieve remarkable scar improvement. By strategically blending fractional laser resurfacing, Potenza RF microneedling, subcision, fillers, and pigment lasers, we can smooth, lift, and even out scarred skin. These customized combinations, similar to our Take5 and Take10 treatments, provide more complete results than single procedures alone.
Safe & Effective for All Skin Types
Our extensive device portfolio includes technology specifically designed for darker skin tones, minimizing the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Whether you have fair or deep skin, our board-certified dermatologists expertly select appropriate wavelengths, parameters, and cooling systems to ensure safe, effective treatment with optimal results.
Research-Driven Expertise
Our team has published extensive research on acne and surgical scar treatments, authored leading medical textbooks, and conducted hundreds of clinical trials on laser technology. This means you benefit from proven treatment methods refined through years of real-world experience, not just manufacturer guidelines. We’ve helped pioneer many of the techniques now considered standard practice.
Flexible Downtime Options
We understand that recovery time matters. Depending on your schedule and goals, we can design treatment plans ranging from gentle non-ablative sessions with 2-5 days of mild redness to more intensive ablative resurfacing with 7-14 days of healing for maximum improvement. We customize treatment intensity to align with your unique lifestyle demands.
Comprehensive Scar Assessment
Every scar treatment journey begins with a thorough evaluation by our board-certified dermatologists. We assess scar type (acne, surgical, trauma), depth and texture, color and redness, your skin type and tone, and your healing patterns to create a personalized roadmap. This comprehensive approach ensures we address all aspects of your scarring, not just surface concerns.
Laser Scar Treatment FAQs
The best treatment depends on your scar type, depth, skin tone, and goals. Fractional laser resurfacing is typically the foundation, but we often combine multiple approaches including RF microneedling, subcision, dermal fillers, biostimulatory agents or vascular and pigment lasers for comprehensive improvement. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your scars and recommend the most effective procedure for your situation.
Once your incision has fully healed and your surgeon has cleared you for treatment, (as soon as one week after surgery or within a week after the injury). Early intervention often optimizes outcomes, but we can also treat older scars effectively. Your dermatologist will confirm ideal timing during your consultation.
Laser energy penetrates the skin to remodel scar tissue and stimulates production of new collagen, elastic fibers, and hyaluronic acid. This process smooths texture irregularities and helps blend color differences. Different wavelengths reach different depths, allowing us to match the treatment to your specific scar characteristics.
Treatment plans vary based on scar type and severity. Some patients see meaningful improvement after a single session, while others achieve optimal results with a series of three to six treatments spaced several weeks apart. During your consultation, we’ll map out a personalized plan with a realistic timeline for your goals.
Recovery depends on the devices used and treatment intensity. Non-ablative treatments typically involve a few days of mild redness and flaking. More aggressive laser resurfacing treatments require a longer healing window with potential swelling, redness, and temporary crusting. We’ll create your treatment plan and aftercare instructions to fit your schedule and comfort level.
While complete scar removal isn’t typically achievable, most patients experience significant improvement in texture, color, and overall skin quality. The degree of improvement varies based on scar type, age, and individual healing response. Individual results may vary.
Initial improvements often appear within weeks as inflammation subsides and healing progresses. The most dramatic results develop over several months as new collagen remodels the treated area and skin quality continues to improve.