Scars can form for many reasons, including acne breakouts, surgical incisions, or even skin trauma due to accidents. While scars are a normal part of your skin’s healing process, they can sometimes impact your confidence and make you self-conscious. 

At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, we understand how frustrating noticeable scars can be. That’s why we provide laser scar resurfacing in Kirkland and Bellevue. Our goal is to help you feel more comfortable in your own skin by providing a procedure that may diminish discoloration, reduce uneven texture, and blend scars more smoothly with surrounding tissue, giving you an evenly toned, smooth complexion.

Understanding How Laser Scar Resurfacing Works

Laser scar resurfacing uses a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser to deliver pulses of energy that pass through the upper layers of skin and reach the scar tissue below. The pigment in the scar absorbs this energy, which can cause the damaged cells to break down. At the same time, this process also stimulates the body’s wound-healing response, which encourages the production of new skin cells and collagen. As you progress through multiple treatment sessions, old or damaged cells may be replaced by healthier tissue, resulting in a visibly less pronounced scar.

Laser scar resurfacing is performed every 6–8 weeks, which gives your skin enough time to regenerate between sessions. The recommended number of treatments varies from person to person, depending on factors such as scar depth, scar location, and your body’s unique healing capabilities.

How Can Laser Resurfacing Alter The Appearance Of Scars?

The goal of laser resurfacing for scars is to help your body replace scar tissue with healthy skin cells over time. By targeting the blood vessels in the scar, this treatment may reduce redness and even out skin tone. The laser energy also promotes collagen production, one of the main building blocks of healthy, youthful skin. The more collagen you have, the better your body can repair damaged tissue.

As each laser session triggers your body’s healing process, you may notice the discoloration, size, or texture of your scars becoming less prominent. While results differ for everyone, many patients find that laser resurfacing scar treatments are a great, non-invasive choice for improving the look and feel of their skin.

What Are The Side Effects Of Laser Scar Resurfacing?

Laser scar resurfacing may carry some risks, just like any other cosmetic procedure. Common side effects may include:

  • Blistering: Some patients experience blisters in the treated area, particularly if the laser settings are higher or their skin is sensitive.
  • Bruising: Minor bruising is possible when the laser’s energy interacts with tiny blood vessels in the skin.
  • Swelling: Mild inflammation is normal and typically subsides within a few days.
  • Scarring: Although the goal is to reduce scarring, there is a slight chance of pigmentation changes or even raised/keloid scarring if you’re prone to these conditions.
  • Itching/Raised Skin: A temporary histamine response after treatment can cause itching or raised skin.
  • Treatment Results: There is no guarantee that every scar will respond equally well to laser resurfacing. Individual health factors will influence how the skin heals.

At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, we do everything possible to minimize side effects, including customizing the laser settings to your specific skin type and scar characteristics. We also provide comprehensive pre- and post-care instructions to help you maintain healthy skin throughout the process.

Can Laser Resurfacing Treat All Scar Types? 

Many different forms of scars may benefit from laser resurfacing for scars, but the degree of improvement can vary depending on the scar tissue. Some scars that may improve with Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser resurfacing sessions include:

  • Post-Surgical Scars: Surgical incisions that have fully healed for at least a year can respond well to laser therapy, possibly reducing redness and texture irregularities.
  • Traumatic Injury Scars: Accidents or injuries can leave behind raised or discolored skin, which may become less noticeable with repeated treatments.
  • Brown Or Hyperpigmented Scars: The 1064nm laser setting focuses on reducing darker pigmentation, helping scars blend more naturally into the surrounding skin.
  • Red Or Pinkish Scars: Our estheticians use the 532nm laser setting for red scarring, which can help minimize vascular discoloration and potentially flatten the scar tissue over time.

Results are influenced by factors like the age of your scar, general skin health, and how consistently you follow aftercare recommendations. Although laser resurfacing scar treatment can improve a variety of scars, it’s recommended that you wait at least a year after the scar forms so that it has fully settled before beginning treatment.

Are You A Good Candidate For Laser Scar Resurfacing In Kirkland & Bellevue?

While most patients with scars over a year old are considered good candidates, you should discuss your medical history, current medications, and overall health with one of our providers before committing to laser scar resurfacing. We will likely recommend the procedure if you:

  • Are not using topical or oral steroids
  • Have not taken photosensitizing medications (antibiotics, immunosuppressants, etc.) in the past month or Accutane in the past 12 months
  • Are not currently taking blood thinners
  • Aren’t pregnant or currently breastfeeding

We also assess your skin type during your consultation to determine the best laser settings. The Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser is safe for Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI, but specific parameters will vary.

The Laser Scar Resurfacing Process In Kirkland & Bellevue

Your laser scar resurfacing procedure at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery begins with signing a consent form and reviewing any medical contraindications or post-treatment guidelines. Your esthetician will then cleanse the scarred area with alcohol to create a sterile environment. They will then apply a thin layer of topical lidocaine and allow it to sit on your skin for 30 minutes to minimize discomfort. After removing the lidocaine and cleansing the area, your esthetician will provide you with protective eyewear before beginning your laser treatment.

Your skincare expert will use the appropriate wavelength (532nm for red scarring or 1064nm for brown scarring) to perform a single laser pass on the target area. If you feel no sensation, they may incrementally increase the fluence (energy) by 10mJ to ensure effective treatment.

Once the laser pass is complete, your esthetician applies a healing ointment and covers the area with a sterile bandage. You’ll then receive written instructions detailing how to care for your skin at home, including how often to reapply the ointment and when you can remove your bandage.

What Can You Expect During Recovery From Laser Scar Resurfacing?

Recovery experiences vary, but many patients find the process manageable. You may see some redness, slight swelling, or mild blistering the first few days after your session. These symptoms typically fade within a week or two. Keep the area clean and avoid direct sun exposure since UV light can cause pigmentation changes or irritation. If a scab forms, allow it to heal naturally without picking to prevent infection or additional scarring.

We generally schedule follow-up sessions every 6–8 weeks so your treated skin has enough time to settle. Over a series of treatments, you may notice progressive improvements in scar color and texture. If you have any concerns at any point in your recovery, we encourage you to reach out to our team at The Gallery Of Cosmetic Surgery.

How Much Does Laser Scar Resurfacing Cost In Kirkland & Bellevue?

At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, we offer our laser scar resurfacing sessions as a package:

  • Standard Package: 3 sessions for $950 
  • The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery Patient Package: 3 sessions for $450 if you had your surgery performed at our clinic

The total number of suggested sessions depends on factors such as your scar’s age, your skin type, and the overall response to treatment.

Laser Scar Resurfacing At The Gallery Of Cosmetic Surgery

Laser scar resurfacing may be a great choice if you’re looking to reduce the visibility and texture of scars. At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, we pride ourselves on delivering patient-centered care in a welcoming and relaxed environment. Our experienced team customizes each laser resurfacing scar treatment plan to help you see the best possible results. 

If you’re looking for a way to reduce the appearance of your scar tissue in Kirkland or Bellevue, or you’re interested in learning more about this non-invasive treatment, contact The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery to start your journey toward a clearer, brighter complexion. Call us today at (425) 775-3561 or schedule your free consultation online!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Each Laser Scar Resurfacing Session Take? 

Most sessions last between 30 and 60 minutes, though the exact duration varies depending on the size and number of scars. This includes the numbing period, which can be about 30 minutes, and the laser treatment itself. After your session, we’ll provide personalized post-treatment instructions to help you get the best possible outcome from your laser therapy session.

Will I See Immediate Results After The First Treatment? 

While you may notice slight changes, significant improvements usually become visible after a few sessions. Your body needs time to break down damaged tissue and generate new skin cells. Each subsequent treatment builds on the previous one, enhancing both color and texture for a more natural-looking result over time.

Can Laser Scar Resurfacing Help If My Scar Is Still Red From A Recent Surgery?

At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, our skincare professionals recommend waiting at least one year after a surgery or injury before beginning laser scar resurfacing. This allows the scar tissue to form and settle fully. Scars that are less than a year old may still be in the process of maturing, making final outcomes less predictable. During a consultation, we’ll assess whether it’s best to start treatment right away or wait for further scar development.

Do I Need To Take Time Off Work After Each Laser Scar Resurfacing Session? 

Many patients resume their normal routines immediately after their treatment, though some may need to wait a day or two, depending on their skin’s reaction. Mild redness or swelling is possible, but these symptoms usually fade quickly. Our estheticians recommend avoiding strenuous exercise and excessive sun exposure for a short period. 

As long as you follow aftercare recommendations, you should be able to carry on with your regular schedule without significant disruptions.

Is Laser Scar Resurfacing Safe For Darker Skin Tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI)?

Yes, the Q-switched Nd: YAG laser can be adjusted to treat many skin tones, including Fitzpatrick IV–VI. However, additional precautions may be necessary to minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation or other complications. We tailor the treatment settings to your specific skin tone and closely monitor your progress to make sure your session is both safe and effective.