Scars after surgery can make you self-conscious and often impact your self-confidence. Even when healing goes well, visible scarring can feel like a lingering reminder of your surgery. Whether it’s from a tummy tuck, C-section, or joint replacement, the question becomes: how can I help this scar fade, and what actually works?
The two common options that can be effective for scar treatment include two treatments: laser, performed in a medical office, and topical scar treatments like Scar Protocol®. Both are widely used, but they work differently, costs vary, and come with their own timelines and expectations. Let’s start by comparing the cost of each procedure:
Cost Comparison
Laser Scar Treatment
Laser treatments for scars are considered a high-end procedural option. The severity of the scar, body area, device used, and geographic location all affect the overall cost, and the majority of patients need several sessions. Lasers are rarely covered by insurance unless the scar results from severe trauma or reconstruction.
The usual breakdown of costs for each laser treatment is as follows:
- $300 to $800 for three to five sessions of Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)
- Fractional laser non-ablative: $600–$1500 (three to five sessions)
- $1200–$3500 (one to three sessions) for fractional CO₂
Some of the other extra expenses include:
- Fees for consultations
- Products for pre- and post-operative care
- Absence from work because of downtime
- Annual maintenance procedures
Topical Scar Treatment
Topical scar treatments are the most accessible option in terms of cost. They can be purchased without insurance or prescriptions, and many are available online or in clinics. High-quality systems like Scar Protocol® offer structured, long-term care for a single upfront cost.
Topicals are ideal for patients who want to begin treatment early, prevent complications, or maintain results from professional care, all without breaking the bank.
The typical pricing breakdown for each topical treatment includes:
- Scar Protocol® (5-phase kit) (Full 12-month program): $300 flat
- Silicone gels/sheets: $20–$50 per month
- Prescription retinoids: $40–$115 per tube (2–3 months per tube)
Side Effects & Downtime
Laser Scar Treatments
- Redness and Swelling (Immediately After Treatment): Mild to moderate redness and swelling are common side effects, especially with vascular (PDL) and fractional lasers.
- Bruising or Purpura (with PDL): Pulsed Dye Lasers often cause temporary purpura (deep red or purple bruising under the skin), especially when high settings are used.
- Dryness, Tightness, and Flaking (Non-Ablative Fractional): Non-ablative lasers can lead to a sandpaper-like texture and skin flaking for 1–3 days.
- Crusting, Oozing, and Peeling (Ablative CO₂ or Er:YAG): Aggressive resurfacing lasers create micro-injuries in the skin that ooze, crust, and flake as they heal. You may need to stay home during this period and avoid makeup, sweating, or public exposure.
- Sun Sensitivity and Risk of Hyperpigmentation: All laser-treated skin becomes highly photosensitive.
- Itching or Irritation During Healing: Many patients report itching as the skin heals, especially around days 4–7 for fractional CO₂ treatments.
- Infection Risk (Rare but Possible): Especially with ablative lasers, broken skin can allow bacteria to enter if post-care isn’t followed correctly. Topical antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed as a precaution.
- Downtime by Laser Type: The typical downtime for Pulsed Dye Laser is 1–5 days (redness, purpura, minimal risk). Non-ablative fractional has a downtime of 0–3 days (mild flaking, redness), and for ablative CO₂, downtime is 7–21 days.
Topical Scar Treatments
- No Medical Downtime: Topicals like Scar Protocol, silicone gels, or prescription retinoids do not disrupt daily life. You can work, travel, and exercise while using them. They are non-procedural and do not interfere with wound healing once the incision is closed.
- Mild Dryness or Peeling (from Retinoids or Scar Protocol Phase 5): Some formulas, especially those containing retinol, may cause temporary peeling, dryness, or flaking. This is most common in the late stages of topical routines focused on resurfacing (e.g., Phase 5 of Scar Protocol). Moisturizer and SPF usually manage this easily.
- Sun Sensitivity with Brightening Agents or Retinol: Products that increase cell turnover (like retinoids or brightening serums) can make the skin more reactive to sunlight. Using SPF 30+ daily is essential to avoid rebound pigmentation or irritation.
- Mild Rash or Irritation (Silicone Sheets or Occlusive Products): If silicone sheets are worn too long or applied over sweaty skin, some users may develop folliculitis or heat rash. This is easily reversed by giving the skin breaks and rotating application sites.
Results & Effectiveness
Laser Scar Treatment
- Visible Improvement in Redness and Vascularity: Pulsed Dye Lasers (PDL) are highly effective in fading red or purple scars. Most patients experience a 60–80% reduction in redness after 3–5 treatments. This is especially helpful for new surgical scars that remain inflamed or flushed.
- Smoothing of Indented or Textured Scars: Fractional ablative lasers can significantly improve the appearance of depressed scars, such as those from acne, mole removals, or surgery. With repeated treatments, these lasers promote collagen remodeling and skin thickening from below, leading to smoother, more even skin over 3–6 months.
- Long-Term Collagen Stimulation: Laser energy triggers your skin’s wound-healing response, boosting fibroblast activity and collagen production. Even after the visible redness resolves, your scar continues to improve at a cellular level for several months post-treatment.
- Improved Pigmentation in Lighter Skin Types: For patients with Fitzpatrick I–III skin, lasers can help break down excess melanin that causes discoloration. Over multiple sessions, the scar blends more naturally with the surrounding skin tone.
- Variable Results Based on Skin Type and Scar Maturity: While some scars respond dramatically, others may only improve modestly. Skin tone, scar location, depth, and individual healing responses all influence the final outcome.
- Timeline of Results: Results are typically progressive, with visible improvements seen after 2–3 sessions. Final results may take 3 to 6 months to stabilize, especially for fractional and ablative laser treatments.
Topical Scar Treatments
- Early Intervention, Preventative Benefits: Topicals work best in the first 6 months post-surgery or injury, when the scar is still in its remodeling phase. Daily application helps reduce the risk of abnormal scarring (like hypertrophic or raised scars).
- Gradual Softening and Flattening of the Scar: Medical-grade silicone and phase-based systems like Scar Protocol® hydrate the scar, regulate fibroblast activity, and keep collagen organized. Over time, this results in a flatter, softer, and less noticeable scar.
- Reduction in Redness and Irritation: Anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, and aloe reduce redness, itchiness, and early inflammation. Scar Protocol’s Phase 1 and 2 specifically address these early signs.
- Improvement in Pigment Irregularities: Topicals that include brightening agents (like vitamin C, niacinamide, or retinol) gradually even out skin tone over months. Pigmentation fades slowly but safely, especially in darker skin tones that are prone to hyperpigmentation.
- Tissue Conditioning and Flexibility: Proper hydration and scar massage (as encouraged in topical routines) improve the pliability of scar tissue, making it feel smoother and more flexible, particularly over joints or high-movement areas.
- Support Across All Skin Tones and Types: Topicals are safe for Fitzpatrick I–VI skin and can be used long-term without risk of pigment loss, burns, or rebound hyperpigmentation.
- Timeline of Results: Most users notice visible improvement between weeks 4–6. The best results typically appear by months 3–6, with ongoing refinements throughout a full year of use.
Conclusion
Laser and topical treatments both offer real solutions for scar improvement, but they serve different needs. Lasers deliver fast, powerful results for deep or stubborn scars but come with higher costs and downtime. Topicals like Scar Protocol® provide a structured, non-invasive approach that’s ideal for fresh surgical scars, especially in the first year of healing. For many, it’s the safest and most effective place to start, and often, it’s all that’s needed.
