Question
Fraxel Repair on surgical scars?
Can Fraxel Re:pair be used on surgical scars? When (post-surgery) should one begin undergoing the procedure?
Answers (5)
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1
November 21, 2008
Yes but consider other options
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Answer by Clement Banda, MD
Fraxel Repair( not the other fractional Fraxels) and all other ablative fractional resurfacing lasers will work well for surgical scars. My experience with ablative fractional resurfacing for scars is that it will take a series of treatments spaced out 6-8 weeks apart. Depending on what part of the body is being treated the physician should aim the laser beam as deep as they safely can with each treatment. Sometimes it's worth adding IPL or other lasers to treat scars that have significant redness for color correction.
Research seems to suggest that ablative lasers should probably not be used for surgical scars until at least 6 months after surgery. Incidentally there ia also research that strongly suggest the use of Doide lasers on the surgical wound and the ensuing scar starting immediately after surgery improves the appearance of the final scar. This area is getting lots of attention and our understanding of lasers and wound and scar management is likely to change in the near future.
If you're one who tends to form large scars, you should discuss with your physician the role of injectable steroids and silicon dressing for the surgical wound.
2
November 21, 2008
Fraxel for Surgical Scars
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answer by Michael A. Persky, MD
Hi tgp,
Both Fraxel technologies can be used to treat surgical scarring. They both will likely require a series of treatments. Fraxel re;pair is more aggressive, goes deeper into the skin, and requires more wound care, and downtime if the face is treated.
I use Fraxel re:store about two weeks after the removal of sutures from surgical scars. I use Fraxel re:pair for more mature scars in patients who want the most aggressive treatment. Fraxel re:pair can also be used on new surgical scars but at low settings.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P
3
November 21, 2008
Sometimes.
Scar improvement can be at times difficult. No one therapy works well on every scar. Lasers may work well on scars with vascular markings, but wide scars more frequently benefit by scar revision. I have seen a fair number of patients who spent thousands on laser treatments and ultimately came to getting the improvement they desired from a simple one stage scar revision.
Best Regards,
John Di Saia MD
4
November 21, 2008
I prefer Fraxel re:store for surgical scars.
Fraxel works very well on surgical scars. We use it all the time in our office. However, I think that the Fraxel re:store is better for this then the Fraxel re:pair. The re:store does not cause as much tissue damage of the fragile scarred skin. The re:pair is a deeper ablative laser. We have had excellent results and very happy patients using the Fraxel re:store.
5
November 21, 2008
Fraxel Repair is effective for surgical scars
Several clinical studies have confirmed that lasers can significantly improve the appearance of both surgical and traumatic scars, and acne scars. These include studies using pulsed dye lasers and fractionated lasers, like Fraxel. Clinical studies suggest that the earlier the treatments are started, the better the results, and this has been our experience when using these devices. We often combine the pulsed dye laser and the Fraxel when treating these scars. 6 weeks after surgery is a reasonable staring point, but this can be best determined at your consultation. Don't forget, surgical scars will continue to change for 2 years, and sometimes longer after your operation. They may get better, or they may get worse. We have seen dramatic improvement when using these technologies. Take care, Dr. Groff
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12/11/08
Recently had face lift,was left with a lot of lumping which was said to be from trauma and was dried blood clumped together. The IPls softened it some but was suggested that for vessels that appeared on face after surgery that I have laser treatment as in laser treatment for veins on legs except a much lower pulse used.That helped the veins somewhat more but the lumping that was going away seems to have come back.Do you have any idea if this is a temp. norm or what to expect at this point.