A laser device has changed the game for at-home scar removal treatment.
Over 20 million people in the UK are negatively impacted - either physically or emotionally - by scarring that only serves to be a constant reminder of pain, illness or trauma. Yet there is still a profound lack of public awareness around the physical and emotional toll body and face scars can take on a person, and a severe dearth of effective at home treatments to help those who wish to minimise their scarring.
Until now it’s not been possible to completely remove scars at home, particularly using a device that’s suitable for darker skin tones as well as lighter ones. Whilst laser light has long been the gold standard in scar removal for those with caucasian colouring, it is only now, with the LYMA Laser that at home laser treatment can be guaranteed irrelevant of skin tone.
The LYMA Laser is the first of its kind to take a clinic grade, powerful laser beam and put it safely in all of our hands. This at-home cosmetic device will transform all scars on all skin types and tones, eliminating scars effectively, safely and pain free.
The LYMA technology is portable, powerful, painless; the LYMA Laser provides clinic-grade performance in the palm of your hand.
Jenny tells her story on how she reduced the appearance of her surgical scar thanks to The LYMA Laser.
The process of scarring
You’re likely familiar with what a scar looks like, but what exactly is it? And why does the body respond to injury in this way?
Scarring, as you’re probably aware, is the body’s natural method of repair in response to trauma or injury.
The process of scar development can be broken down into three parts:
- Inflammation: this lasts a few days and initiates the repair process to commence
- Proliferation: this is the accumulation of the cells that makes the scar and continues for about 28 days
- Remodeling: the biological process of changing the scar from a raised, red scar into a soft, flat scar, which can last for several months or even years.
It is a little-acknowledged fact that as you age, scarring can become even more pronounced. Once you move into your twenties and beyond, your skin starts to decline in function, producing less collagen and elastin, and causing the fibroblasts (our skin cells’ primary energy source) to start to work more slowly. This is a result of poor immune response, a reduced supply of nutrients to the skin, as well as impaired circulation and insufficient oxygen to the skin’s surface; all of which are essential for cellular energy production.
Fully optimised fibroblasts are essential for a successful proliferation stage of wound healing - without fully functional cells, the skin struggles to form the scar tissue in the first place and wound healing can become protracted.
See how the LYMA Laser helped fade post-mini facelift scars behind the ears with this incredible before and after:
How does the LYMA Laser work to eliminate scars?
The LYMA system works by delivering photobiomodulation: a concentrated laser beam that diffuses a tiny pinprick of light over a large surface area of skin, stimulating and enhancing cell function.
LYMA offers an at home protocol which has a beneficial effect on all three stages of scarring by working directly on the cells to alter the growth factors and, in turn, change the scar’s ‘recipe’. When the scar’s ‘recipe’ is changed during the inflammation or proliferation stage of scar development, the product of the scar changes too, resulting in a flatter, smoother and less visible scar. When used for just 3 minutes over each section of the skin scar, daily for two months, the LYMA groundbreaking skin renewal device helps to accelerate the remodeling process in all layers of the skin by increasing supply of nutrients, improving circulation and speeding up the repair process.
In addition to the Laser, there are two additional steps to achieving results with The LYMA Protocol, both of which contribute to even better results. LYMA Oxygen Mist and Glide skincare products contain the highest possible concentrations of Active Stablised Oxygen (ASO) that flood the skin with oxygen and vital nutrients to optimise the skin's innate cellular rejuvenation process.
The LYMA Oxygen Glide triggers an immune response via Wellmune® Blend's beta glucans, which signals to the fibroblasts that they need to turn their energy and attention to repairing the skin, gradually reducing the amount of scar tissue and replacing it with regenerated elastic fibers. LYMA Active Mist increases oxygen supply in the skin tissue through Active Stabilised Oxygen which boosts the energy supply.
The Laser penetrates to the deepest layers of the skin, to reignite and reveal the skin’s natural beauty.
Witness the remarkable fading of mini facelift scars behind the ears with the LYMA Laser in this before and after:
Scarring due to pimples and the different types of acne scars
Acne scarring is a common aftermath of inflammatory acne, resulting from the skin's healing process. These scars are primarily categorized into atrophic and hypertrophic types, each with distinct characteristics.
Atrophic Scars: These are the most prevalent, comprising approximately 75% of all acne scars. They result from a loss of collagen during the healing process, leading to depressions in the skin.
Atrophic scars are further subdivided into:
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Ice Pick Scars: Narrow, deep scars that extend into the dermis, resembling puncture marks. They are often challenging to treat due to their depth.
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Boxcar Scars: Broad, box-like depressions with sharp edges, varying in depth. They are typically found on the cheeks and temples.
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Rolling Scars: Wide depressions with sloping edges, giving the skin a wavy appearance. They result from damage beneath the skin's surface.
Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars: Unlike atrophic scars, these are raised scars caused by excessive collagen production during healing.
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Hypertrophic Scars: Raised, firm scars that remain within the boundaries of the original wound. They are more common on the torso and are often associated with deeper acne lesions.
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Keloid Scars: More severe than hypertrophic scars, keloids extend beyond the original wound's boundaries. They are raised, thickened, and can continue to grow over time. Keloids are more prevalent in individuals with darker skin tones and are often found on the chest, back, and shoulders.
Understanding the type of acne scar is crucial for determining the most effective treatment approach. Each scar type responds differently to various therapies, and a tailored treatment plan can significantly improve skin appearance and texture.
How to address pimple scars
Addressing pimple scars requires a multifaceted approach, tailored to the specific scar type and individual skin characteristics.
Here are general strategies based on the scar classifications:
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Laser Treatments: Various laser treatments can effectively resurface the skin, diminish the depth of scars, and stimulate collagen remodeling. While in-clinic lasers are often used to treat atrophic scars, these procedures can be invasive, costly, and require downtime; factors that may sometimes outweigh the potential benefits for certain individuals. Consider using the LYMA Laser for a painless, clinical grade experience:
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Consultation with Dermatologists: A professional assessment is essential to identify the scar types and recommend appropriate treatments. Dermatologists can provide personalized plans that may include a combination of therapies.
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Topical Treatments: For mild atrophic scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, topical applications containing retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or vitamin C can promote skin regeneration and even out skin tone.
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Chemical Peels: These involve applying a chemical solution to exfoliate the top skin layers, encouraging new skin growth. They are effective for superficial scars and discoloration.
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Microneedling: This procedure uses fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production. It's beneficial for various atrophic scars, improving skin texture and firmness.
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Dermal Fillers: Injectable fillers can temporarily elevate depressed scars, especially rolling and boxcar types, making them less noticeable.
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Steroid Injections: For hypertrophic and keloid scars, corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and flatten raised scar tissue.
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Surgical Options: In cases of severe scarring, surgical interventions like punch excision or subcision may be considered to remove or release scar tissue.
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Sun Protection: Regardless of the treatment, protecting the skin from UV exposure is vital. Sunscreen prevents further pigmentation and supports the healing process.
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Patience and Consistency: Scar treatment is a gradual process. Consistent adherence to the prescribed regimen and regular follow-ups with healthcare providers enhance the likelihood of successful outcomes.
It's important to note that while these treatments can significantly improve the appearance of pimple scars, complete eradication may not always be possible. Setting realistic expectations and maintaining open communication with healthcare professionals can lead to satisfactory results and improved skin confidence.