Laser scar treatment at GLIF Medical is a skin resurfacing treatment aimed at reducing the appearance of certain scars, offered by Dr Peguy Télusma, MD, in Montreal.
How the treatment works
The laser targets the surface and upper layers of the skin to stimulate its natural renewal and collagen production. This controlled process creates calibrated micro-injuries that trigger the skin’s own healing capacity, gradually helping even out the texture and colour between the scar and the surrounding skin. The type of laser and intensity used are adjusted to the scar’s origin, whether from acne, surgery, or a minor injury, as well as to the individual’s skin type. Collagen remodelling generally continues for several weeks after each session, which is why improvement keeps developing well after the in-clinic treatment ends.
Who it’s for
This treatment suits people looking to improve the appearance of an existing scar, whether indented, textured, raised, or a different colour from the surrounding skin. Acne scars, surgical scars, and certain post-traumatic scars are among the most common indications. Not all scars respond the same way to laser: age, depth, origin, and the individual’s skin type all influence the possible result. A prior medical evaluation determines whether this treatment is suitable, particularly for recent scars, a known tendency to form keloids, or a skin history that might point toward a different approach.
What to expect and recovery
A session lasts about 30 minutes. Redness, warmth, or mild temporary discomfort can follow the treatment; these reactions generally settle within hours to days. Recovery time varies with the intensity chosen: from a few days for a lighter setting to a longer period for more pronounced resurfacing, sometimes with mild flaking. Diligent sun protection is recommended during healing and in the following weeks, along with any moisturizing care the clinic recommends. Several sessions spaced a few weeks apart are generally needed for a cumulative improvement; the exact number is determined by the response observed over the course of treatment.
Expected results
Improvement in the scar’s texture and colour develops gradually, often over several weeks after each session, as collagen remodels. The degree of improvement depends on the scar’s type, depth, and age; some scars respond more than others. The treatment aims to realistically and gradually reduce the scar’s appearance, without guaranteeing complete disappearance, and progress is reassessed over the sessions to adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Precautions
As with most laser resurfacing treatments, extra precautions are taken for people with darker skin tones to reduce the risk of temporary pigment changes. The treatment is not indicated where there is an active skin infection, an unhealed wound, or inflammation in the area to be treated. A full medical evaluation confirms the treatment’s suitability beforehand and allows for a discussion of realistic expectations for the specific type of scar involved.
Next step
The first visit at GLIF Medical consists of an evaluation of the scar, the surrounding skin, and the goals of the person being treated. Dr Peguy Télusma then explains the laser settings under consideration, the number of sessions typically needed, and the care to plan for before and after each session. This evaluation also allows time for questions and confirms whether laser scar treatment is the most suitable option, on its own or alongside another treatment from the laser family offered at the clinic, in Montreal.