How the Fotona Scar Revision Procedure Works

Scars tell stories—sometimes of accidents, surgeries, acne, or even childhood scrapes. But for many people, scars also serve as daily reminders of a time they’d rather forget. While some scars fade over time, others remain raised, discolored, or textured in ways that affect confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, advances in laser technology now give us safe, effective ways to minimize the appearance of scars.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we use the Fotona laser system to perform scar revision. This procedure is non-surgical, minimally invasive, and designed to help skin heal from within by stimulating natural repair processes.

Why Scars Form

When the skin is injured, the body responds quickly to close the wound and protect against infection. In the rush to heal, new collagen fibers are laid down unevenly, often resulting in a scar that looks and feels different from the surrounding skin.

Scars can appear in many forms:

• Hypertrophic scars – raised and firm but within the boundaries of the wound
• Keloid scars – raised, thick scars that grow beyond the wound site
• Atrophic scars – depressed scars, common with acne or chickenpox
• Surgical scars – often linear, but can heal with raised or widened tissue

While scars are a natural part of healing, they can be improved with targeted treatments that remodel collagen and resurface the skin.

How the Fotona Laser Works for Scar Revision

Fotona uses a dual-wavelength laser system that allows us to treat scars from multiple angles—resurfacing the skin’s surface while also stimulating deep tissue remodeling.

Here’s a breakdown of how the process works:

1. Er:YAG Laser for Gentle Resurfacing

The Erbium:YAG laser precisely ablates (removes) very thin layers of scarred skin. Unlike older lasers that caused significant downtime, Fotona’s fractional mode allows us to treat small micro-columns of skin while leaving surrounding areas intact. This encourages faster healing and smoother skin texture.

2. Nd:YAG Laser for Deeper Collagen Stimulation

The second wavelength penetrates into the deeper layers of skin without damaging the surface. This stimulates fibroblasts—the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production. Over time, this remodeling process softens the scar, improves elasticity, and blends it more seamlessly with the surrounding tissue.

3. Controlled, Precise Treatment

Fotona’s technology allows us to adjust the depth, intensity, and pattern of treatment based on the type of scar and location on the body. This precision means we can safely treat delicate areas (such as the face) as well as thicker scars on the body.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Scar revision with Fotona is an in-office procedure that typically takes less than an hour, depending on the size and number of scars treated.

• Before Treatment: We clean the area and may apply a topical numbing cream for comfort.
• During Treatment: The laser handpiece is passed over the scar in a series of pulses. Patients often describe the sensation as a mild snapping or warmth.
• After Treatment: The skin may look pink or slightly swollen, similar to a mild sunburn. Most patients resume normal activities within a day or two, though sun protection is essential during healing.

Multiple sessions are usually recommended—often spaced 4–6 weeks apart—to achieve optimal results. Scars continue to improve gradually over several months as collagen remodeling takes place.

Benefits of Fotona Scar Revision

• Non-surgical and minimally invasive
• Safe for all skin types
• Customizable for different scar types
• Short downtime compared to traditional laser resurfacing
• Improves both appearance and texture of scars
• Stimulates natural healing rather than masking scars

Patients often notice not only cosmetic improvement but also a reduction in discomfort associated with some scars, such as tightness or itching.

Who Is a Candidate?

Scar revision with Fotona is ideal for individuals with:

• Acne scars (pitted or textured)
• Surgical or injury-related scars
• Burn scars
• Raised or hypertrophic scars

It’s important to note that while laser treatments can dramatically improve scars, they may not erase them completely. The goal is a smoother, softer, and less noticeable scar that blends with the surrounding skin.

Takeaway: Advanced Laser Technology for Real Results

Scars no longer need to be a permanent reminder of the past. With Fotona’s scar revision laser procedure, we can harness the body’s natural healing power to remodel scar tissue, smooth skin, and restore confidence.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we combine advanced laser technology with personalized care to help patients achieve real, lasting results. If you’re living with scars that bother you—whether from acne, surgery, or injury—our team can help you explore your options and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

👉 Learn more about our aesthetic laser services
👉 Read our blog on PRP/PRF for facial rejuvenation

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