1 mins
The scar-tech revolution
The use of energy-based devices, such as IPL, radiofrequency, RF needling, laser, plasma, and LED, for the treatment of scarring on the face and body has gained popularity as clients become more educated and technology advances.
In the past, treating scarring with energy-based devices was often painful, came with a large degree of downtime, and was limited to only treating lighter skin types in a safe manner. Over the past few years, however, technology has advanced to such an extent that we are now able to use energy-based devices that are safer and more effective for scarring across all phototypes with a fraction of the downtime.
BEST LASERS
Alma’s Harmony XL Pro Special Edition laser system is designed to successfully treat active acne, erythema, PHI and post-acne scarring.
When it comes to acne scarring, it is best to treat active acne at an early stage to prevent or limit acne-related scarring. It’s also imperative to ensure active acne has been treated before approaching scar treatment, so as not to create a cycle where active lesions continue to scar in areas already addressed. The treatment approach should begin with targeting erythema if present. Alma’s patented AFT (advanced fluorescent technology) Pulse Dye-VL Pro 500-600nm applicator targets the chromophore Hemoglobin that absorbs the light energy. The light energy is then converted to heat to coagulate the vessels that form PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) in scarred lesions. In addition, the heat diffuses from targeted vessels into the surrounding dermis, which ultimately stimulates fibroblasts.
Once scar-associated erythema has been addressed, treatment should focus on addressing atrophic scarring with Alma’s i-Pixel® Erbium: YAG 2940nm fractional ablative laser applicator, which is a less aggressive alternative to the traditional CO2 full ablative laser treatment – it is more tolerable with a shorter recovery time.
Er: YAG laser is also more efficiently absorbed by water within the skin, which stimulates dermal fibroblasts to replace lost collagen and elastin due to controlled thermal microcolumns of coagulation created. The superficial penetration depth of the Erbium makes it a highly effective treatment modality for acne scarring.
It is recommended that a patient-centered, multi-step approach be followed that considers the type of acne scarring and patient goals in order to offer the best cosmetic results and the highest patient satisfaction.