Can Dye Laser Treatment Help Reduce Hypertrophic Scars?

Keloid laser treatment

Hello doctor, I would like to ask about keloids.
After receiving steroid injections, they have become flatter and reduced in size, but there is still some reddish pigmentation left (I found some information suggesting it might be due to microvascular proliferation).
Can this red area be treated with dye laser for removal? Will the laser treatment help reduce the swelling?
Additionally, I want to ask about my keloids, which are located on both sides of my chin.
One side seems to have stabilized and hasn't swollen again, but I've read that some people experienced swelling again after laser treatment, which makes me a bit anxious.

Lastly, I would like to know if a keloid is considered completely non-recurrent when it turns white.
I read that some people mentioned that if it hasn't turned white, the keloid is still active (mine is still somewhat red).
Is this true?
(Here is my prayer and confession, hoping for effective results.) Since I didn't properly treat my acne in middle school, I only realized it was keloids when I got to high school.
Even now, as I approach graduation, the improvement has been limited.
Some doctors have told me that this is the best it can get, which has made me very discouraged.
I hope that after consulting with you, my condition can improve further, at least to the point where it is not so obvious.
I am still young and don't want to live with such noticeable scars for the rest of my life.

Since starting high school, the first thing I do every morning is check if my keloids have swollen again.
The second thing is to regret not being diligent about seeing a dermatologist and not applying my medication on time during middle school.
Seeing others with normal, beautiful skin makes me feel very frustrated.
I have been making an effort to return for follow-ups and apply my medication, hoping to make up for my past mistakes.
I wish for a future free from the troubles of keloids.

Kongbai, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/04

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

Dye lasers can be beneficial, but it's advisable to inquire beforehand, as there are fewer medical facilities that possess dye lasers.

Reply Date: 2018/02/04

More Info

Hypertrophic scars, also known as keloids, can be a source of significant distress for many individuals, particularly when they are located on visible areas of the body, such as the face. The treatment options for hypertrophic scars include various modalities, and one of the promising treatments is dye laser therapy.

Dye laser treatment, specifically pulsed dye laser (PDL), has been shown to be effective in reducing the redness and vascularity associated with hypertrophic scars. The laser works by targeting the blood vessels within the scar tissue, leading to a reduction in redness and an improvement in the overall appearance of the scar. This treatment can also help flatten the scar, making it less prominent.
In your case, since you have noted that the scar has become less raised after steroid injections, the remaining redness could indeed be a result of microvascular proliferation, which is common in hypertrophic scars. The use of dye laser treatment could potentially help in reducing this redness and improving the texture of the scar. However, it is essential to have a thorough discussion with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon about the expected outcomes and any potential risks associated with the procedure.

Regarding your concern about the possibility of the scar becoming raised again after laser treatment, it is true that some individuals may experience a recurrence of hypertrophic scarring after various treatments, including laser therapy. This is particularly true if the scar tissue is still active or if there is a history of keloid formation. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the scar closely after treatment and follow any post-procedure care recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.

As for the question of whether a hypertrophic scar will turn white when it is no longer active, it is important to note that the color of a scar can change over time. Typically, as a scar matures, it may become less red and more pale or white. However, the presence of color does not necessarily indicate that the scar is still "alive" or active. Scars can remain pink or red for an extended period, even when they are stable. The key indicators of a stable scar include a lack of growth or change in texture and a reduction in symptoms such as itching or tenderness.

In conclusion, dye laser treatment can be a beneficial option for reducing the appearance of hypertrophic scars, particularly in terms of redness and texture. It is essential to have realistic expectations and to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns and treatment goals. Additionally, ongoing care and monitoring of the scar are crucial to achieving the best possible outcome. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and many individuals face similar challenges with scarring. With the right treatment and support, there is hope for improvement.

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