Scar Removal Specialist

Ballantyne Medical Associates

Family Medicine & Laser Aesthetics located in Charlotte, NC

If you have a scar that affects your appearance, you’ll want to know that scars can be removed without the need for surgery. The doctors at Ballantyne Medical Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina, offer safe, effective scar removal using advanced lasers. Fractional lasers can be used to treat scars anywhere on your body, with no downtime and a short treatment time. Please contact the office to schedule a consultation to learn how the doctors remove scars and treat all of your skin concerns.

Scar Removal Q & A

Why are scars difficult to remove?

Scars develop during the natural healing process as the body produces new collagen to heal the wound. This new tissue has a different texture and quality compared to the surrounding skin, which results in the appearance of a scar.

There are different types of scars:

  • Keloid scars: Caused by overly-aggressive healing; create large scars
  • Acne scars: Range in size and depth
  • Hypertrophic scars: Raised, red scars
  • Contracture scars: Form on burned skin; scar tissues grow deep, potentially affecting muscles and nerves

The characteristics of scars affect how easy they are to remove. Your doctor at Ballantyne Medical Associates must adjust treatment according to the depth, size, type, and location of the scar.

How are scars removed?

Small, indented scars may be treated by injecting a filler under the scar. Skin resurfacing with lasers or dermabrasion are both options you may consider for eliminating scars. A third option is treatment with a fractional laser, which can reach deep below the skin to the bottom of the scar tissue without harming the surrounding skin.

Heat from the laser breaks down old scar tissue, which is removed by the body’s natural healing process. Then the heat also stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, the two proteins that are essential for strong, elastic skin. As the new tissue grows, scarring is either removed or significantly diminished, depending on the severity of the original scar.

Who is a good candidate for scar removal?

Fractional lasers can be used on any skin type, and they remove several types of scars. This means that most people are good candidates for laser scar removal.

What can you expect during and after treatment?

Treatment to remove a scar usually takes about 30 minutes, but it varies depending on the size and type of scar. During the procedure, a topical anesthetic gel may be used to ensure your comfort.

You may have minimal redness or swelling, but it resolves quickly and doesn’t require time for recovery. As soon as the treatment is finished, you can get back to your normal routine. It takes time for the healing process to remove old tissue and regrow new collagen, so be patient because you may not see the final result for a few weeks.