CO2 Laser — Surgical Scar Revision

CO2 laser uses focused light energy to create microscopic columns in the skin, removing tissue precisely and stimulating new collagen formation from within. Dermabrasion is a mechanical process that abrades the upper layers of the skin. The laser's method allows for controlled depth and targets the scar's underlying structure, while dermabrasion addresses the surface. The choice depends on the scar's type, depth, and location, which is determined during the assessment.

The treatment's goal is not to erase a scar but to make it less conspicuous by improving its texture, colour, and flexibility. A scar is a change in the skin's structure. The laser works to remodel the scar tissue, helping it blend more closely with the surrounding normal skin. The extent of this improvement varies and depends on the scar's age and type, your skin's characteristics, and your body's individual healing response. The aim is a less noticeable scar, not an absence of one.

Suitability depends on several factors that are assessed for each individual. Skin tone is a primary consideration, as some skin types have a higher propensity for pigmentation changes after laser treatment. The type of scar is also critical; atrophic (indented), hypertrophic (raised), and discoloured scars respond differently. The scar's location and age are also important. A consultation is necessary to evaluate your specific scar and skin to determine if this treatment is an appropriate option.

A treatment plan is not based on a fixed number of sessions. The number required is determined by the scar's initial condition — its size, depth, and texture — and how the tissue responds to the first treatment. After each session, the skin's healing process is observed, and the need for further treatment is reassessed. The objective is to achieve the desired improvement, and the path to that point is unique to each person and each scar.

All procedures, including CO2 laser treatments, are conducted in a dedicated clinical environment within an accredited Istanbul hospital. While the treatment is not major surgery, it is a medical procedure performed under controlled conditions. Depending on the scar's size and location, a member of our anaesthesia team may be present to ensure comfort. An interpreter is with you throughout. The specific hospital is confirmed in your written plan before you travel.

For your consultation, it is helpful to bring any medical documents related to the injury or surgery that caused the scar. A list of any previous treatments you have had for the scar, such as injections or creams, is also important. If you can, bring photographs showing how the scar looked at different stages of its healing. This information provides a more complete history of the tissue, which helps in assessing how it might respond to laser treatment.