Accidents & Scar Treatment

Dermatology Navigation

CO2 lasers have made a significant difference to scar treatment.The latest type use multiple, tiny beams, as can be seen by the needling pattern on the skin.

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Few of us go through life without picking up scars, which can arise from a range of accidents, a fall, an altercation, or from surgery. Their nature may also vary according to an individual’s genetic profile.

Having the damage seen by a consultant dermatologist is important. Their skills can help to evaluate the nature of your skin, consider any related muscle, nerve, or functional damage and the best aesthetic outcome

They can also help to decide the timing of treatment, there can be cases where waiting a little while will be optimal, although prompt care normally works well.

Early Intervention

Real world experience of dermatologists and clinical research point to the value of timely treatment. The images below are from a 2017 study into using CO2 fractional lasers to reduce scarring and the best intervention points:

The microscopic views of identical injuries show the level of improvement immediate post accident treatment can bring. Progress can be made at any stage but quick action is an asset, as seen below:

The three images show progress over time, not even the finest treatment can make scars instantly vanish. The result is still welcome, which comes from using the latest CO2 fractional laser soon after the scar occured.

Laser treatment around the time that stitches are due to come out is often suitable. This will vary according to the location of the tissue damage, around seven days is quite common.

Treatment At Our Clinic

A range of treatment is available in our London clinic, from dermabrasion, to corticosteroids, to scar revision surgery, or skin grafting. Almost all types of scar are however suitable for fractional laser treatment.

There may be times when scars have become hypopigmented (patchy in colour) and additional treatment is considered, such as using medication alongside a laser. Your consultant will advise and discuss the best possible route.

If you have an accident and feel scar treatment may be needed, we would encourage you to contact us at the earliest point possible.

In the event laser treatment is appropriate, this can be carried out, or arranged for the best time over following days. Alongside medical needs, our focus will be on minimising cosmetic damage.

Accidents can be traumatic, our consultants appreciate the importance of supporting you to help avoid psychological, or emotional effects. How the damaged area looks in the longer term is part of this.

All suitable options can be discussed, although the latest CO2 fractional lasers in skilled hands can transform outcome. They work on your skin and stimulate deeper healing processes, such as collagen growth.

Using a modern technique to encourage and control a natural process makes sense for post accident care. With early phase intervention so helpful for wound healing, we will provide prompt, personal support.