Surgical Scars
Surgical scars are linear scars that result from incisions. Their appearance and healing process depend on the surgical method, aftercare, and individual skin type. They may be hypertrophic or atrophic, depending on how the skin heals.
Surgical scars are the marks left on the skin after a surgical procedure. These scars vary in size and appearance depending on the type of surgery, location, and the patient’s healing process. While all surgical scars fade over time, some may remain raised, discoloured, or noticeable. Various treatments can help reduce the visibility of surgical scars, improving the overall skin appearance.
The Science Behind It
Surgical scars form as the body heals after a surgical incision or trauma. The healing process involves the production of collagen, which helps to repair the wound. However, in some cases, excess collagen can lead to hypertrophic or keloid scars, which appear raised and may be more difficult to treat. Factors such as genetics, skin type, and the location of the scar can influence how a surgical scar heals and its long-term appearance.
What are the best lasers for surgical scars?
For surgical scars, treatment is tailored to what stands out most—thickness, redness, or texture—so the scar blends more naturally with surrounding skin. Intralesional steroid/anti-metabolite injections may be used early for scars that are raised, firm, or becoming thickened, while VBeam® Pulse Dye Laser can help settle persistent redness. Acclaro UltraClear is often used to refine texture and support collagen remodelling, improving overall smoothness and blending over a series of sessions.
Treatment at a Glance
| Treatment Type | Number of Sessions | Procedure Time | Typical Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acclaro UltraClear® | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
| Excel® V+ | 3 - 5+ sessions | 20 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
| Fraxel® Dual Laser | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
| Steroids, Anti-Metabolites, Sonophoresis & Advanced Laser Combination Therapy | 2 - 5 sessions | 5 - 10 minutes | 0 |
| Vbeam® Pulse Dye Laser | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
Frequently Asked Questions
While lasers cannot completely remove surgical scars, they can significantly reduce their appearance by flattening raised scars and improving pigmentation.
Important ACC & Treatment Disclaimer
ACC funding eligibility is determined by the Accident Compensation Corporation on a case-by-case basis. Approval is dependent on injury acceptance, clinical indication, and ACC policy at the time of application. Not all treatments offered at Scars & Lasers are ACC-funded. Private fees may apply for unfunded components of care.
Learn more about ACC IncidentsAdvanced treatment for surgical scars focused on skin refinement, scar remodelling, and long-term restoration.
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