Laser treatment for surgical and traumatic scars in Birmingham
Specialist laser treatment for surgical and traumatic scars
At Midland Skin we offer laser treatment for surgical scars with a Dermatologist for patients in Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Worcester and the Midlands.
Quick Facts about laser treatment for surgical scars
Best for
Surgical & traumatic scars
Appointment
Initial assessment
Treatment
Laser, tailored to scar
Sessions
Usually 2-5, 4-6 weekly
Consultant
Dermatologist or Surgeon
Price
See below
Laser treatment for surgical scars and traumatic scars
Surgical scars are an inevitable result of any operation involving an incision. While many settle well, others can become red, thickened, stretched, indented, pigmented or a combination of these. Some scars may feel tight or itchy and can cause cosmetic or functional concerns.
Any form of trauma can leave a scar be that a burn, a laceration or other injury. Similar treatments are applicable for traumatic scars as they are for surgical scars.
Surgical procedures that often leave visible or symptomatic scars include:
- Facial procedures – such as facelift surgery, skin cancer removal, skin grafts or local flap repairs
- Breast surgery – including augmentation, reduction, or uplift
- Abdominal surgery – including abdominoplasty and caesarean section
- Limb and joint surgery
If your concern is scarring left by acne rather than by surgery or injury, our acne scar treatment page covers the approach we take to that.
When to start laser scar treatment
It was once common practice to wait a year or more before considering treatment for a scar. We now know that earlier intervention, typically starting within days to weeks of suture removal, can positively influence how a scar heals.
Starting treatment early can:
- Soften redness
- Reduce thickening
- Prevent abnormal pigmentation
- Alleviate itching or discomfort
That said, it is never too late to improve a scar. Older scars can still respond well to laser with combination treatments.
Is laser scar treatment right for me?
An assessment with a dermatologist is worthwhile when:
- Your scar is red, dark or discoloured – and has not faded as you hoped
- Your scar is raised or thickened – including hypertrophic and keloid scars
- Your scar is indented or sunken – where the surface sits below the surrounding skin
- Your scar feels tight, itchy or uncomfortable – rather than being a purely cosmetic concern
- Your scar restricts movement – particularly across a joint
- You have recently had surgery – and want to influence how the scar settles from the outset
- Your scar is longstanding – older scars can still improve with combination treatment
- You are unsure what is treatable – an assessment will tell you what can realistically be achieved
Not every scar needs treatment, and the right approach depends on how your scar is behaving when we see it. Your dermatologist will tell you honestly what is likely to help.
What laser and energy-based treatments can achieve
- Reduce redness – Vascular lasers target the fine blood vessels responsible for pink or red scars.
- Even out pigmentation – Pigment-selective lasers reduce dark patches; fractional ablative lasers may help where the scar has lost pigment.
- Flatten raised scars – Fractional ablative lasers remodel collagen, helping hypertrophic tissue settle. Where there is keloid formation, adjunctive treatment can be added.
- Lift indented scars – Combined subcision and resurfacing can help sunken areas blend more evenly into the surrounding skin.
- Ease itching, discomfort and tightness – Vascular and fractional lasers can improve scar-related itch and pain, not just appearance.
- Improve tightness and movement – Where a scar is tight or restricts movement, particularly across a joint, fractional laser can help soften and release it.
Lasers and devices used at Midland Skin
Each scar is assessed individually, and more than one type of laser is often used over a course of treatment. Which lasers we select depends on how your scar is behaving at the time — and that can change as the scar matures, so the plan is reviewed as we go.
Ablative fractional lasers
Used mainly for texture, thickening and tightness. These create microscopic channels through the scar, prompting it to remodel and soften.
- Lumenis Ultrapulse CO₂ (DeepFX/ActiveFX, SCAAR FX)
- Sciton ProFractional erbium:YAG (2940 nm)
- UltraClear 2910 nm laser
Non-ablative fractional lasers
Used where a gentler approach to texture is appropriate, including where the risk of pigmentation change is higher.
- Sciton Halo (1470 nm + 2940 nm hybrid)
Vascular lasers
Used for redness. These target the fine blood vessels that make a scar look pink or red, and can also help with itching and discomfort.
- Cutera Excel V+ (532/1064 nm)
- Cutera Laser Genesis (1064 nm)
- Sciton BBL
Pigment lasers
Used for scars that have become darker than the surrounding skin.
- Lutronic Spectra Q-switched laser
Medication delivered with laser
Some scars, particularly those that are raised or thickened, respond better when medication is combined with laser treatment. Corticosteroids, 5-fluorouracil, botulinum toxin or hyaluronidase may be injected into the scar, or applied to the skin immediately after ablative fractional laser — a technique known as laser-assisted drug delivery, where the channels created by the laser help the medication reach deeper into the scar tissue.
Whether this is appropriate for your scar is decided at assessment.
Laser scar treatment in skin of colour
Laser treatment is suitable across all skin tones. In skin of colour there is a higher chance of the treated area becoming temporarily darker afterwards, so treatment is approached differently — gentler settings are used, non-ablative lasers may be preferred over ablative ones, and treatments are sometimes spaced further apart.
Sun protection matters more here than anywhere else on this page.
Your dermatologist will discuss all of this at your assessment.
Additional scar management techniques
Laser treatment works best alongside other scar measures, which are usually continued between your laser sessions:
- Prescription creams that may help even out skin tone
- Silicone gel or silicone sheeting
- Scar massage, once the skin surface is fully intact
- Compression therapy
- Camouflage
Hypertrophic and keloid scars
Sometimes surgical scars can develop features of hypertrophic and keloid scars and these are treated in a similar way. More information on keloid scars can be found here
Treatment pathway
Initial assessment
You meet with a dermatologist who assesses your scar, reviews how it is behaving and discusses what you are hoping to achieve.
Treatment plan
Suitable lasers are selected and the course is discussed with you, including practical downtime and aftercare. Treatment is not carried out at this appointment.
Laser treatment
Sessions are carried out on a separate day, usually every 4 to 6 weeks. Topical anaesthetic is used where needed and you may be asked to apply this at home before you attend.
Review
Your response is assessed and the plan adjusted as the scar changes. Treatment continues for as long as benefit is seen.
Realistic expectations and limitations
With the right combination of timing, technology, and technique, most surgical scars can be improved, sometimes significantly. However, as with any medical treatment there is no guarantee and some individuals may not respond a lot or at all. Consequently a guarantee cannot be provided.
Laser treatment improves a scar. It does not remove it, and a treated scar remains visible. Most patients need a course of 2 to 5 sessions, though some scars need considerably more, and treatment is continued for as long as the scar appears to be improving.
Your laser treatment: FAQs
Who will carry out my treatment?
Your scar is assessed by a Consultant Dermatologist or Surgeon, who plans your treatment and selects the lasers used.
Will I have treatment at my first appointment?
Your first appointment is an assessment. Laser treatment is usually carried out on a separate day, once your scar has been assessed and a plan agreed with you.
Does laser scar treatment hurt?
Most patients tolerate treatment well. Topical anaesthetic is used where needed, particularly for raised or tight scars, and you may be asked to apply this at home before you attend. Local anaesthetic can also be used for some treatments.
How much downtime should I allow?
Most people are back to their normal activities within a day or two. It is worth separating that from how the skin looks — after ablative fractional treatment the area stays visibly red and crusted for longer than you are actually out of action, so plan around events rather than around work. Vascular and non-ablative treatments are quicker to settle. Your dermatologist will tell you what to expect before you book your session.
What aftercare will I need?
Aftercare depends on the laser used. You will usually be advised to apply an ointment while the skin settles, and to protect the treated area from sun exposure. Written instructions are given at each session.
How often will I be seen?
Sessions are usually spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Your scar is reviewed as treatment progresses so the approach can be adjusted as the scar changes.
Book in with us
Ready to get started? Book a consultation with our team at Midland Skin. Friendly, expert advice tailored to you.
Fees for scar treatment
Scar treatment Show pricing
Book ConsultationInitial dermatology assessment
Up to 25 minutes
Laser treatment for scars – Band A
Review consultation
Standard, up to 20 minutes
References used for this article
- Seago M, Shumaker PR, Spring LK, et al. Laser Treatment of Traumatic Scars and Contractures: 2020 International Consensus Recommendations. Lasers Surg Med. 2020;52(2):96–116. doi:10.1002/lsm.23201
- Gold MH, McGuire M, Mustoe TA, et al. Updated International Clinical Recommendations on Scar Management: Part 2 — Algorithms for Scar Prevention and Treatment. Dermatol Surg. 2014;40(8):825–831.
About the Author
This page has been written and/or medically reviewed by Dr Sajjad Rajpar, Consultant Dermatologist and Medical Director of Midland Skin, Birmingham.
Dr Rajpar is on the GMC Specialist Register in Dermatology and has over 20 years’ experience in clinical dermatology. He provides clinical oversight to ensure the information on this page is accurate, balanced and consistent with current dermatology practice.
Dr Sajjad Rajpar
Date last updated: 26th Sep 2026
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Expert, consultant led care in dermatology, skin surgery, eyelid surgery, lasers and aesthetics.
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The content on this website is provided for general information only. It is not, and must not be treated as, medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation for any particular treatment. We make reasonable efforts to keep information accurate and up to date, but medicine and technology change, and content may not reflect the most current evidence, guidance, product information, or individual practice. You should not rely on this website to make decisions about your health or treatment. Always seek personalised advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Any examples, images, testimonials, and outcome descriptions are illustrative only. Results vary between individuals and no outcome can be guaranteed.
