Preparing for surgery comes with many considerations. Whether the procedure is planned or unexpected, some of the most common concerns patients have are about post-surgical scarring.
Will my scar be noticeable? How can I help a scar heal better? What can I do to minimise a scar’s appearance?
While some degree of scarring is a natural part of any surgical procedure, starting scar management early can make a considerable difference in how a scar develops and appears over time. Pulsed dye lasers (PDL) are one promising approach for early scar treatment.
What Are Surgical Scars and Why Do They Form?
When an incision creates a break in your skin, your body responds by producing new collagen fibres to repair the wound. The healing process progresses through several stages:
- Initially, the wound may appear red and slightly swollen as your body increases blood flow to the area
- Over time, new collagen forms to bridge the wound
- As healing continues, the scar typically becomes lighter and flatter
Cosmetically speaking, the ideal scar is flat, thin and similar to the surrounding skin tone. It is not possible to predict whether a scar will heal this way.
Some scars become raised above the surrounding skin or indented below it. Others stretch or widen during the healing process. These scars close the wound effectively and therefore are successful from a functional point of view, but they leave something to be desired from a cosmetic standpoint.
What Is a Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)?
A pulsed dye laser uses focused light energy to target blood vessels within scar tissue. The laser delivers concentrated beams of light at specific wavelengths that are absorbed by the haemoglobin (the protein that gives blood its red colour) in the blood vessels within the scar tissue.
This absorption creates a warming effect—just enough to selectively target and break down the blood vessels in the scar without harming the surrounding healthy skin. As the blood vessels gradually fade, so does the redness of your scar.
PDL therapy also encourages your body to remodel the scar’s collagen fibres. This helps soften the scar and gives it a smoother, less noticeable appearance.
What Are the Benefits of PDL for Early Surgical Scar Management?
Timing is everything. If we begin treating surgical scars early, while they’re still in their formative stages, we can make a difference in multiple aspects of their appearance and feel, including:
Pigmentation
This refers to the colour of your scar compared to the surrounding skin. Some scars may appear darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) than your normal skin tone.
While PDL isn’t a direct treatment for pigmentation like some other lasers, it can contribute to a more uniform appearance as it improves the overall health and appearance of the scar.
Vascularity
This describes how many visible blood vessels are present in the scar, which can make it look red or pink. Newer scars often have more blood flow and appear redder, while older scars may fade over time.
PDL excels at targeting the blood vessels responsible for this discolouration so the scar blends more seamlessly with the surrounding skin. This can make a huge difference in how visible your scar appears.
Pliability
This is how flexible or stiff the scar feels when you touch it. A soft, flexible scar moves easily with your skin, while a firm, tight scar may feel harder and more restrictive.
PDL therapy can make a scar feel softer, more pliable and less noticeable to the touch. This can be particularly beneficial for scars located over joints or areas of movement.
Height
This refers to how raised or flat the scar is compared to the surrounding skin. Some scars may be thicker and raised above the skin surface, while others may flatten over time or with treatment.
Early PDL treatment can help minimise the development of hypertrophic scars (those that are raised but stay within the original wound boundaries) by preventing excessive scar tissue buildup.
Studies have shown that PDL helps across all four of these dimensions and that most patients experience minimal adverse effects. Studies also suggest that while both 585 nm and 595 nm lasers can be beneficial, 585 nm PDLs may have the greatest impact on post-surgical scars.
When Is the Best Time to Start PDL Therapy After Surgery?
The ideal time to begin PDL therapy depends on several factors, including the type of surgery, the location of the scar and your individual healing process.
Healthcare providers often discuss early intervention because scar tissue continues to develop and change during the healing process. During the early stages:
- The scar is still forming
- Blood vessels are more prominent
- The tissue is more responsive to treatment
- There may be more opportunity to influence how the scar develops
Generally, treatment can start a few weeks after the wound has fully closed and any sutures have been removed. Your doctor will assess your specific situation and make a recommendation.
What to Expect During a PDL Treatment
Below is a simple breakdown of what most patients can expect from PDL therapy for surgical scars:
Consultation
Before your treatment, you will have a consultation with your doctor. They will examine your scar and determine if PDL therapy is appropriate for you.
Preparation
On the day of your treatment, the area around your scar will be cleaned. A topical numbing cream may be applied to minimise discomfort.
Treatment
You will wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser light. The PDL device will be passed over your skin while it emits short pulses of light into the scar tissue.
Sensation
Most patients describe the sensation as feeling like a quick “snap” of a rubber band against their skin. While it might be slightly uncomfortable, it is generally well-tolerated.
Duration
The length of a PDL session depends on the size and number of scars being treated. Typically, a session lasts anywhere from a few minutes to about half an hour.
After Treatment
The treated area may appear red or swollen. This is normal and usually subsides within a few hours to a day or two. You might also notice some mild bruising, which typically fades within a week or so.
Recovery and Downtime
There’s minimal downtime after PDL therapy. You can usually return to your normal activities right away. Your doctor will provide you with aftercare instructions.
Number of Sessions
Most patients need a series of PDL treatments spaced several weeks apart. The number of sessions you require will depend on the characteristics of your scar and how it responds to the treatment.
Is PDL Scar Revision Right for Me?
PDL can be an effective approach for many people, but it’s important to determine whether it is the right option for your specific scar.
PDL tends to be useful for:
- Surgical scars
- Hypertrophic scars
- Early keloids
- Red or pink scars
Most skin colours can be treated with pulsed dye lasers. However, we may need to adjust the treatment settings depending on your skin tone. We may not recommend PDL therapy if:
- You have an active infection in the area to be treated
- You use medications that can increase your sensitivity to light
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have certain skin conditions, such as vitiligo or psoriasis, in the treatment area
Choose AF Aesthetics for Your PDL Scar Treatment
AF Aesthetics brings together clinical excellence and advanced treatment options to provide comprehensive surgical scar management.
The doctors at AF Aesthetics have specific expertise in scar management and have accumulated extensive experience treating scars of varying sizes, ages, locations and complexities. Our clinic is equipped with multiple established technologies, including advanced PDL systems, and we continually update our technology to ensure we offer the latest options.
To learn more about PDL treatment for surgical scars or to schedule your consultation, contact AF Aesthetics on 02 8004 3323 or use our convenient online form.
