SPONSORED. Safe and Effective Non-Ablative Laser Treatment of Scars

Postoperative scar appearance is often a significant concern among patients, with many seeking advice from their dermatologists regarding scar minimization, especially in the areas of the face, neck, décolleté and mammary. It is considered standard to start laser therapy of scars at an early stage instead of waiting for the scars to heal to influence their appearance. Candela’s Nordlys™ multi-application platform with its modular SWT® handpieces, the Nd:YAG laser and the fractional, non-ablative Frax 1550™ allows for safe and effective scar therapy.

Scars tell stories of life—almost everyone has at least one. Scars come in all shapes and sizes. They can result from accidents, burns, surgery, acne and illness. There are also scars that result from deep inflammations of the skin, e.g. acne.

What all scars have in common is the underlying injury to the skin down into the dermis and the effort to repair it as best as possible. This repair succeeds with varying degrees of satisfaction depending on the individual predisposition, localization and depth of the scar.

The disappearance of post-operative scars is important to many patients looking for aesthetic perfection. Nowadays, it is considered standard to start laser therapy of scars at an early stage instead of waiting for the scars to heal. In the early stages, we have the optimal chance to perfectly influence the appearance of scars.

The Nordlys™ multifunctional platform from Candela with its modular Selective Waveband Technology™ (SWT®) handpieces, the Nd:YAG laser and the fractional, non-ablative Frax 1550™ allows safe and effective scar therapy.

In the case of fresh, red-livid scars, we start treatment two weeks after surgery with the SWT PR 530 handpiece at intervals of four weeks. An accelerated fading of the redness is achieved. We observe a reduced scar activity with a lower risk of keloid tendency. 

In the same session, following the SWT treatment, we treat the scar and its surroundings with a circumference of approximately 1 cm with the Frax 1550 applicator. Depending on the length of the scar and the sensitivity to pain, we perform this under topical anesthetic cream.

Thanks to the thermal columns applied in fractional mode, improved vascularization is achieved in the scar area and dermal remodeling is supported. Depending on the type of scar, these treatments are carried out with the Frax 1550 applicator, or in combination with the PR 530 at intervals of four weeks.

The PR 530 targets the vascular component of the scar, while the Frax 1550 treats the scar tissue, leading to smoother skin. Silicone gels that patients apply daily between intervals and consistent sun protection are additionally supportive and lead to high patient satisfaction.

In our practice, we treat many teenagers with severe inflammatory acne on the face, which has often already left scarred residues on the cheeks, chin and forehead. The treatment of the inflammatory lesions with PR 530 causes these residues to “melt away” quickly.

The effect is not only anti-erythematous but also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Because of the deep inflammation, the skin around them often looks very loose, sunken and bowl-shaped scarred. And this is exactly what the Frax 1550 is excellent for, to induce collagen remodeling and to work on the skin texture.

Contrary to the former doctrine of waiting until the acne has stopped before treating the scars, we treat all affected areas from the beginning and achieve sensational results in the skin texture.

The compliance of our young acne patients is very high despite the discomfort of the treatment, which is reduced with a topical anesthetic cream. Inflammatory lesions melt and disappear within a few days and the appearance of the skin improves rapidly.

The Nordlys™ not only accelerates the healing of acne but also provides a beautiful, smooth, firm skin appearance post-treatment.

In conclusion, early postoperative therapy with the non-ablative Frax 1550 has a favorable effect on scar healing and aesthetic result. In acne treatment, SWT with the PR 530 handpiece and Frax 1550 are an integral part of the therapy from the beginning.

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect of the SWT in combination with the dermal remodeling by the Frax 1550, we achieve not only the healing of the acne but also a scar-free skin appearance. 

Author: Dr. med. Cordula Ahnhudt-Franke, Consultant Dermatologist at mySkin Dermatology Mallorca.