Burn scars can be very disturbing for the patient, both in terms of appearance and functionality. It can produce contractures (permanent shortening of a muscle or joint), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and textural irregularity (include things like acne, fine lines and wrinkles) making daily life difficult for you.
However, with advancement in technology, there is a lot of hope for people who wish to remove burn marks. The technology used at The Skin Clinic for burn scar treatment is the Lumenis Ultrapulse fractional CO2 laser. We use the Scar FX to treat the contractures, the Deep FX to sculpt the edges of the contractures and to bring in healthier collagen in the surrounding skin. Finally, we use the Active FX to resurface the entire treated area and to remodel that skin. The other advantage of using this laser, is the ability to inject skin boosters and anti-inflammatory agents into the skin, a technique known as laser-assisted drug delivery.
Treatment Plan for Burn Scar Removal:
The laser treatment for burn scars starts with a local anaesthetic cream administered an hour prior, after which the treatment is painless. Immediately post procedure, the treated area is slightly red and once the anaesthesia effect wears off, the patient will have slight discomfort for about an hour.
In the week following the procedure, the skin slowly turns brown and later stars peeling off to give rise to healthy brighter, smoother, softer skin underneath. In the next 2 months, lot of healthy cells will get produced and remodelling begins.With just one laser treatment to remove burn scars, a remarkable result and improvement occurs. However, a series of 3-4 treatments depending on the depth of the burn scar is required .The treatments are spaced at 3 monthly intervals. Simple creams like a moisturising sunscreen and a healing cream are all that is required post treatment. This is the same for sunburn scar treatment as well.
FAQ's About Burn Scar Removal
What is involved in the healing and therapy process?
While skin is healing it will regain its pigment, although it may never return to the same exact colour. One way you can help this process is to protect your skin from sun exposure. The sun can cause the skin to produce too much pigment and can cause a permanent “tan”. Use clothing, pressure garments, and sunscreen to protect your skin after your burn injury.
Will my skin return to its natural color?
While skin is healing it will regain its pigment, although it may never return to the same exact colour. One way you can help this process is to protect your skin from sun exposure. The sun can cause the skin to produce too much pigment and can cause a permanent “tan”. Use clothing, pressure garments, and sunscreen to protect your skin for up to a year after your burn injury.