Scars, whether they are purely an aesthetic flaw or a source of pain, itchiness or swelling, can be reduced with low level laser treatment.  Low level lasers, also known as cold lasers, were first developed in the 1960s and in less than a decade’s time were used by Endre Mester of Hungary to treat wounds. Since then low level lasers have been employed as a means of healing both cured and unhealed scars and wounds. This low level laser healing technology is an effective means of reducing the appearance of bothersome scars above and below the surface. From tennis elbow to acne to burn scars, low level laser treatment may be the right solution for your scar ailments.  

How it Works:

Pop culture has shaped the way people view lasers. Generally speaking, most consider lasers as something Star Wars-esque which emit heat and are painful.  This, however, is incorrect. Low level lasers do not rely on heat, but rather employ a single wavelength of the red, the cold part of the light spectrum. Aside from being cold, low level lasers have other unique attributes that contribute to its effectiveness. The cold lasers type of wavelength travels in a straight line that can be concentrated into a very specific location allowing for very precise usage.

Low level lasers for scar reduction involve a noninvasive procedure that is done completely outside of the body. The goal of the laser procedure is to jump start the scarred cells on the cellular level. Much like using jumper cables to jump start a car’s engine, the lasers kick start a cell’s mitochondria organelles. The mitochondria organelles are light sensitive and are where a cell’s fuel is produced. In short, the laser’s light activates the cell’s healing process because once the mitochondria begins producing fuel (ATP), the body starts healing itself as it would naturally. Therein, the laser in and of itself is not removing the scar but rather serves as the mechanism to elicit the body’s natural healing process.

The low level lasers increase a cell’s metabolism, improve blood flow to the region and overall circulation, as well as offer a painkiller and anti-inflammatory effect. It is the culmination of these results which promotes the body’s healing properties and helps reduce the appearance of both old and new scars.

The Benefits:

1. Drug Free: Since the procedure is done completely externally, it does not require antibiotics or other surgery related medications.  Many people who suffer chronic pain from their scars regularly take painkillers as part of their daily regime to mask discomfort from pain, itching and swelling, however with low level laser treatment patients may find that they can stop taking them.

2. No Cell Damage: Since the lasers are at set to a low temperature, they are incapable of harming surrounding cells. High temperature lasers would damage skin cells, however low level lasers ignite a cell’s mitochondria organelles to begin healing as it would have done naturally.

3. Painless Procedure: It is precisely as a result of the two previously mentioned benefits that low level laser treatments are painless. Since the cold lasers do not cause cell damage or heat up the surrounding areas or require surgery, this laser procedure is 100% pain free.

4. Success Rate: Low level laser treatment studies have shown as high as an 80% reduction in pain associated with scars.

5. Natural Procedure: Cold level laser treatment is a completely natural process in that the lasers are the means of initializing a cell’s natural healing process rather than an instrument that directly causes the change. No intrusive surgery or medications are necessary with this laser treatment as it merely relies on the mitochondria organelles’ sensitivity to light. 

Low level lasers are a more effective process than other scar removal procedures for reducing pain and the unsightly appearance of both old and new scars. It may require several low level laser sessions to significantly reduce the appearance of scarring; nonetheless, it is a pain free procedure with a successful track record.  Although scars are said to be an indicator of one’s past, the memories are an equally or even better substitute. Reduce the appearance of scars with low level laser therapy and finally allow your body to fully recover.