Scar Clinic Aotearoa

Reconstructive & Plastic Surgery

Ablative Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment
Ablative fractionated CO₂ laser therapy is a minimally invasive treatment option for the management of scars. It can improve scars that are erythematous, hypertrophic, symptomatic including associated itch and contracted with functional limitations.

Fractional laser treatment delivers controlled microthermal zones within the scar tissue, stimulating collagen remodelling while preserving surrounding tissue. This has the advantage of fast healing times while improving overall scar quality. A course of treatments is usually recommended, with improvements expected in scar thickness, texture, pliability, erythema and associated symptoms.

Clinical Benefits & Treatment Approaches
Clinical benefits may include improvements in overall scar quality, tissue pliability and functional mobility, symptom control and improvements in scar appearance. Treatment is individualised according to scar characteristics, anatomical location, skin type and clinical objectives, and usually forms part of a broader multidisciplinary approach to scar management. Patients are treated from across the motu.

CO₂ Laser Therapy may be considered for patients with:

• Hypertrophic or raised scars following trauma, burns or surgery including C-sections
• Persistent erythema or abnormal scar texture
• Scar-related pain, discomfort or itch
• Tight scars with reduced pliability
• Contracture or restriction affecting movement and function
• Mature scars
• Keloid scars