Before Fractional Laser: Mention Any History of Raised Scars

Hello, I’m Dr. Kim Yeon-jin, Chief Physician at UHCELL Clinic Gangnam.

Why mention an ear piercing or a surgical scar on your body when the laser treatment is for your face? How a previous wound healed provides useful information, even when the treatment site is different. Old scars count too.

Before fractional laser, mention any history of raised scars as well as the pores or indentations that concern you now. I believe skin condition and scar depth should be assessed before choosing the treatment intensity.

Is every raised scar a keloid?

Appearance alone cannot settle it. A hypertrophic scar generally thickens within the original wound, while a keloid may grow beyond its edges. Mention a firm, raised piercing scar on an earlobe, or raised surgical or acne scars on your chest or shoulders.

Flat red or brown marks differ from a bump you can feel. You don’t need to label yourself keloid-prone from a photograph. Other causes, such as a skin reaction to an earring, may resemble a raised scar and need examination. Describing what happened is enough to start.

Fractional treatment still requires healing

Fractional treatment applies energy in tiny points or columns. A fractional CO2 laser leaves surrounding tissue between treated areas, which supports recovery. The skin still needs to heal. Small treatment zones do not remove that requirement.

A history of keloids is one reason to consider laser resurfacing cautiously. An indented scar and a scar that is still thickening also need different plans. The same laser name does not mean the same treatment area is suitable for everyone.

I’m cautious about comparing plans only by the cost of one session or the intensity. Skin condition, scar depth, treatment area and time available for recovery matter together. Ask about infection, pigment changes and scarring, as well as redness and swelling.

Four things to note before your consultation

You don’t need a diagnosis first. Make a short note of these details and bring older photographs or treatment records if you have them.

• What caused the scar: a piercing, surgery, burn, acne or another injury
• Whether it grew beyond the original wound and is still thickening
• Any itching or pain, and treatments you have received
• Your medicines, health conditions and any family history of similar scars

Don’t leave out scars elsewhere on your body because your appointment concerns your face. They do not mean your face will necessarily react the same way, but they inform the assessment. Unedited photographs are preferable.

Can a scar cream tell me whether laser will be suitable?

Don’t irritate the area yourself. Avoid picking a raised spot, puncturing it with a needle or scrubbing it with a strong exfoliant. Tolerating a scar product does not predict how your skin will heal after laser treatment.

A bump that keeps growing, itches or hurts needs assessment before a cosmetic appointment. Having had a keloid does not automatically rule out every skin procedure. However, examination may lead to postponing the planned laser or discussing another approach. A consultation does not have to end in treatment that day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The scar on my ear is old. Should I still mention it?

Yes. Even if its size is stable, describe how it became raised and any treatment you received. If you have no old photographs, explain the location and changes you remember.

Does a keloid mean I can never have fractional laser?

Suitability cannot be decided online. The diagnosis, laser method, treatment site and your health all need assessment. In some cases, treatment may not be recommended.

Can indented acne scars and raised scars be treated together?

They call for different approaches. Don’t assume both should be treated on the same day with the same device. Discuss their individual condition and treatment priorities first.

※ Individual results and recovery periods may vary. We recommend consulting a specialist for an accurate medical diagnosis.