Laser Scar Treatment
Scars don’t have to define you. At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, our board-certified dermatologists transform 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 Scar Laser Treatment
When Should You Treat Your Scars?
Watch How Our Patient Transformed Her Skin After a Bike Accident with Laser Scar Treatment
Before and After Laser Scar Treatment
HEAR FROM OUR HAPPY PATIENTS
5/5 STARS 
I trust Farzaneh Momeni completely with my skin. She is by far the best clinical aesthetician I’ve ever known. My skin has improved dramatically since I began monthly facials with her. Her treatments are 100% results-driven so if this is what you seek, look no further. Also, the entire Team at West Dermatology are top-notch. They’re always friendly, professional, & helpful, & greet everyone with a smile. 10 Stars all around!
My new regular cosmetic dermatology office. Dr Zubair is amazing and really patient with me. He has helped me over the last year with keloid scar removal, jaw Botox, and full facial acne scar treatment (ultra clear). The office is clean and the nursing/medical assistant staff is accommodating on all levels. I will always recommend this office and Dr Zubair to friends and family.
Most professional and most impressive! The service from the physicians to office staff is superb!
I live in Orange County and drove all the way out to see Dr. Wu because a friend of mine referred him (she had amazing results from her face and neck procedure). Dr. Wu is truly an artist! He made me feel extremely comfortable during my procedure. I was anxious when I got there, but he (and his staff) have such great energy and are so very kind and gentle that you can't help but feel at ease! The office was immaculate and they adhered to covid rules (sanitizing, temp checks, masks). This is my go-to place from now on and Dr. Wu is my go-to guy! Can't wait to see my final results! Thank you Phyllis (pre-op) for being so wonderful and informative! You were so very helpful and kind! I'll definitely be back!
Leysin and the entire team at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology are fantastic. They are professional, caring and communicative. The laser treatment was comfortable, efficient and effective! I highly recommend this practice. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
Dr. Goldman is amazing! I came here for my permanent eyeliner removal (which is not offered anywhere near me), and they are completely removed in just one session. They use a special contact lens to protect your eyes from the laser, and there are no damages to my eyelashes. The healing was also nice and smooth. They have everything you need. I live almost 3 hours away, but it was totally worth the trip. For anyone who is looking to remove their permanent makeup, this is the right place to go :)-
Dr. Butterwick is fantastic, all of her team as well. They make sure your experience is pleasant and painless as possible. My tattoo removal and my injectables look amazing. I highly recommend her for any skin treatment.
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was recommended to me by my dermatologist. He recommended Dr. Monica Boen. I'm so glad I took his recommendation. Everyone here at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was super nice and friendly. Very welcoming. I came here for hair removal treatment. I did 4 sessions with Dr. Boen. Dr. Boen made me feel so comfortable and at ease when I talked to her. She explained everything before she did my treatment. I loved that. She was really easy to talk to. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
This office is awesome. My visit today was with Dr. Groff. His bed side manner is so fun and welcoming. He understood my concerns and recommended a treatment plan that I feel was reasonable. I love his staff! They take there time to make sure you understand the treatment and after care. Everyone in the office, from the front desk to the nurses in the back, are so friendly and beautiful. They are very prompt and I trust my care with CLD. I can't wait for my next visit. See you guys in a few weeks!
"Dr. Sabrina Fabi is genius! Her technique is unlike anyone, her eye is precise, and her kindness and caring manner comes from the depth of her soul. She's simply brilliant! It's no wonder people travel the country just to be treated by her."
I wish I could give them 10 stars! I had such an awesome experience for my first visit and I am referring everyone I know to this office. From the super friendly staff to the state of the art procedures, they are the cream of the crop.
“I came to participate in a research study. All of the Doctors and staff at C.L. Dermatology are very professional, warm and friendly. All our my needs were anticipated and the hospitality of this office is like a five star hotel.”
Why Our Laser Scar Treatment Deliver Superior Results
Our approach to laser scar treatment goes beyond single-device therapy. We combine the country’s most comprehensive laser technology with decades of clinical research expertise to create personalized treatment plans that address every aspect of your scarring.
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.
Why You'll Love Us
Board-Certified Dermatologists Who Teach Others
Our team doesn’t just treat scars, they train physicians worldwide. With appointments as Volunteer Clinical Professors at UC San Diego and leadership roles in prestigious dermatology societies, our doctors bring unparalleled expertise to every consultation and treatment session.
Customized Treatment Plans, Because Every Patient is Unique
Scars aren’t the same for everyone, which is why your treatment shouldn’t be either. We develop fully customized plans based on a detailed assessment of your scar type, skin tone, healing patterns, and aesthetic goals, ensuring results that are as unique as you are.
Convenient La Jolla Location With Modern Facilities
Our state-of-the-art practice in La Jolla provides a comfortable, welcoming environment with the latest technology and amenities. Easy parking, friendly staff, and an organized scheduling experience that make your visits efficient and stress-free.
Decades of Patient Trust & Satisfaction
With over 50,000 satisfied patients and nearly five-star ratings on Yelp, RealSelf, and Google, our reputation speaks for itself. Patients choose us, and refer their friends and family, because we consistently deliver natural-looking results with compassionate, professional care.
Comprehensive Aftercare & Support
Your journey doesn’t end when treatment does. We provide detailed post-treatment plans, professional skincare recommendations, and ongoing support to optimize healing and maximize your results. Our team is available to answer questions and address concerns throughout your recovery.
Flexible Scheduling to Fit Your Life
We understand busy schedules and offer appointment times that work for you. Whether you need early morning slots before work or prefer weekend availability, our team accommodates your lifestyle while delivering the same exceptional care.
Our Renowned Dermatologists
We are proud to share that Dr. Goldman, Dr. Butterwick, Dr. Groff, Dr. Fabi, & Dr. Boen have once again been recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2026!
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology has been voted Best Cosmetic Dermatology Practice in San Diego Magazine’s 2026 “Best of San Diego” readers’ poll!
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist, Best Cosmetic Surgeon, and Best Dermatologist for 4 consecutive years by the San Diego Reader Best Poll.
Dr. Mitchel Goldman was voted #1 Cosmetic Dermatologist in America by Newsweek
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 9 consecutive years by the San Diego U-T Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, and Fabi made the top 8 in Newsweek’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists in America for the last two years in a row
Voted in the top 10% of Realself Doctors by achieving high patient satisfaction and getting favorable feedback on Q&A
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Dermatologist for 10 consecutive years and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 9 consecutive years by the La Jolla Light Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, Groff, Fabi, and Boen were named Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2025, making us one of the Top 3 Practices in California with the most Castle Connolly Top Doctors in Dermatology.
Dr. Boen has been recognized as a Top Doctor in 2023 and 2024 by San Diego County Medical Society.
Dr. Butterwick, is a distinguished facial cosmetic surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial
Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS).
In 2026, Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, FAAD, received the Richard E. Fitzpatrick, MD Award from Masters of Aesthetics in recognition of his contributions to cosmetic dermatology and laser medicine. The honor reflects his longstanding leadership in research, physician education, and advancing aesthetic treatment.
Sabrina Fabi, MD has been named a finalist for Pioneer of the Year – Healthcare with San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women 2026
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.
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