Monday, February 11, 2013

Treating Skin Cancer Scars With Laser Therapy



Skin cancer and skin cancer treatments can leave scars. The severity of a scar varies and depends on any number of factors including but not limited to a person’s age; skin type; the location, type and severity of the skin cancer; and the treatment used to remove the cancer. Smaller scars may eventually fade over time and may not cause any problems. Larger scars or scars in sensitive areas such as on the face, neck, or hands may require additional treatment. Two popular laser therapies common in the treatment of skin cancer scars are discussed in more detail below.

Laser treatment with IPL (to reduce redness)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is commonly used to reduce redness in scars. It can be used virtually anywhere on the body but is particularly common in treating the face, neck, and hands. It helps reduce redness and discoloration associated with scars and scar tissue. Treatments take an average of 15 to 30 minutes. Three to seven treatment sessions spaced two to three weeks apart are generally recommended but can vary depending on the severity of the scar.

Fractional laser treatment (to help fade scar)
Fractional laser treatments are very effective in helping to fade scars and improve the overall appearance of scars. Fractional CO2 laser treatments and Fractional Erbium laser therapy are state of the art laser technologies. They are commonly used in skin rejuvenation to improve skin texture, tone, and pigmentation and can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. These factional laser treatments remove the epidermis (outer most layer of skin) and heat the dermis (subsequent layer of skin) to stimulate collagen production. Collagen gives skin its elasticity and softness. This helps soften and improve the appearance of scars.

Laser treatments provide excellent results for patients with scars, with minimal healing time. Treatments are safe and effective, under the care of a licensed medical doctor, and results are long lasting.

Laser treatments should only be performed under the care and supervision of a licensed physician such as a board certified plastic surgeon or a board certified dermatologist. This will help minimize any potential side effects and ensure that you get the best results.

Skin cancer and skin cancer treatments can leave scars. The severity of a scar varies and depends on any number of factors including but not limited to a person’s age; skin type; the location, type and severity of the skin cancer; and the treatment used to remove the cancer. Smaller scars may eventually fade over time and may not cause any problems. Larger scars or scars in sensitive areas such as on the face, neck, or hands may require additional treatment. Two popular laser therapies common in the treatment of skin cancer scars are discussed in more detail below.

Treatment options for scars vary. Nonsurgical options include but are not limited to scar massage, silicone sheeting, steroid injections, and laser treatments. In some cases, surgical scar revision is necessary. In all cases, time and patience are important in the healing process. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.


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