Scar Reduction & Revision Treatment
Milwaukee Laser & Body Aesthetics holds the foremost position in the greater Milwaukee area as the scar treatment destination in Southeastern Wisconsin. Our treatments aim to enhance your skin's natural beauty while reducing the visibility of existing scars. We adopt a comprehensive approach by utilizing a range of scar revision technologies suitable for addressing various types of scars, including acne, surgical, keloid and trauma scars, among others. Dr. Sabatino personally meets with each patient to have in-depth discussions and craft highly personalized treatment plans for optimal results.
Before & After Scar Treatments
How do Scars Form?
Scars form as a natural part of the body’s healing process when the skin is injured. The process of scar formation involved several stages:
When the skin is injured, the body's immediate response is to stop bleeding and prevent infection. Blood vessels constrict to reduce bleeding, and platelets form clots to seal the wound. The injured area becomes inflamed, resulting in redness, swelling and pain. White blood cells are sent to the site to remove debris and fight infection.
During this phase, which typically begins a few days after the injury, the body starts rebuilding damaged tissue. Fibroblasts, specialized cells in the skin, produce collagen, a protein that provides strength and structure to the skin. Collagen forms a scaffold-like structure in and around the wound, helping to close it.
Over several weeks to months, the body continues to produce collagen, and the scar tissue gradually matures and remodels. Initially, the scar may appear raised, red or pink, but it tends to become flatter and fade over time. The remodeling phase can last for up to two years or longer, and the final appearance of the scar may continue to improve.
Scars are typically caused when the injured skin does not repair itself with the same building blocks (proteins) as normal, healthy skin. The scar can form as an indent in the skin (not enough protein) or it can protrude out from the skin (too much protein). Scars can be dark colored (too much pigment in the scar tissue) or excessively red (too many blood vessels in the scar tissue).
These variations in protein production affect the way scars form and greatly impact the way they are treated. Each type of scar responds best to certain, specific techniques or technologies. Because of this great diversity, it can be difficult to find a physician or office experienced enough to treat all scar types. Milwaukee Laser & Body Aesthetics is proud to specialize in the widest variety of advanced treatment methods in Wisconsin, allowing us to provide precise care plans for each individual, no matter the type of scar.
Types of Scars
Scars can vary in appearance and texture based on their cause, depth and the body's natural healing process. Here are some of the different types of scars:
Hypertrophic Scars These scars are raised and thicker than the surrounding skin. They may be red or pink in color and often occur at the site of a wound or incision. Hypertrophic scars do not extend beyond the boundaries of the original injury.
Keloid Scars Keloid scars are similar to hypertrophic scars but tend to be larger and may continue to grow over time. They can be raised, thick and extend beyond the original injury site. Keloids often have a genetic predisposition and are more common in people with darker skin.
Atrophic Scars Atrophic scars are sunken or depressed scars that appear below the surrounding skin's surface. They can result from conditions like acne or chickenpox and are characterized by a loss of underlying tissue.
Acne Scars Acne scars are a type of atrophic scar that forms after severe or persistent acne breakouts. They can be pitted (icepick scars), have a wavy texture (rolling scars) or appear as shallow depressions (boxcar scars). Learn more about acne scars.
Surgical Scars Surgical scars result from surgical procedures. They are typically linear and can vary in size and appearance. The appearance of surgical scars can improve with proper wound care and scar management.
Scar Redcution Treatment Options
Treatments typically take about an hour and are usually spaced 4-8 weeks apart. Many of our treatments have no downtime.
| Purpose | Penetrates multiple layers of skin, inducing an increase in collagen to smooth out the skin and alleviate scars |
| Appointment length | 1 hour for numbing and 1 hour for treatment |
| Time between appointments | 1 month |
| Downtime | None, although you will have noticeable redness for several days |
| Payment plan eligible? | Yes |
What is Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling?
Radiofrequency microneedling works by penetrating various layers of the skin with tiny needles, which induce an increase in collagen production. RF energy is deposited below the surface of the skin, where it is needed most to help vitalize and regenerate the tissue. The excess collagen acts as a filler, smoothing out the skin around the scar and improving your overall appearance.
| Purpose | Increases collagen and reduces shadows cast over scar depressions |
| Appointment length | Depends on number and size of scars |
| Time between appointments | 4-8 weeks |
| Downtime | None |
| Payment plan eligible? | Yes |
What is TCA CROSS?
TCA CROSS treatment deposits a small amount of TCA (trichloroacetic acid) at high concentrations onto the surface of the scar itself, causing a local inflammatory reaction and collagen stimulation. TCA will dissolve away scar tissues, allowing for new, healthy skin to grow in and replace it.
| Purpose | Treats scars by releasing tension of the scar tissue in the skin |
| Appointment length | Varies depending on the size of the scar |
| Time between appointments | 4 weeks |
| Downtime | None |
| Payment plan eligible? | Yes |
What is Subcision?
Subcision involves administering numbing to local areas of the skin and inserting a small needle to untether (release) the scar from the underlying tissue. The tension of deep scar tissues creates divots in the skin, but subcision allows the skin to rise, “bounce” back to its normal shape and diminish the appearance of the scar.
| Purpose | HALO™ operates using two distinct wavelengths, ablative and non-ablative, to target scars on multiple levels. |
| Appointment length | 1 hour of numbing, 1 hour of treatment |
| Time between appointments | Varies, but can be as little as 2 months |
| Downtime | 0-5 days |
| Payment plan eligible? | Yes |
What is HALO® Laser Treatment?
HALO is an innovative laser treatment particularly effective in treating complex skin issues, such as scarring. Acknowledged as the world's leading tunable hybrid fractional laser, HALO combines non-ablative and ablative wavelengths in a single pass, delivering unparalleled results to enhance the tone and texture of your skin. Unlike earlier lasers that faced challenges with lengthy healing times or substandard results, HALO stands out for its distinctive ability to simultaneously blend deep dermal rejuvenation and promote collagen induction. This dual process leads to the renewing of the epidermis, refining of the skin's texture and eliminating unwanted discoloration. HALO allows us to personalize your treatment, ensuring minimal downtime and achieving the results you desire.
| Purpose | Reduce redness & excessive vascularity to damaged tissue - allowing skin to return to a normal hue |
| Appointment length | 30 minutes |
| Time between appointments | 4 weeks |
| Downtime | None |
| Payment plan eligible? | Yes |
What is Broadband Light (BBL)?
Broadband Light (BBL) with the Sciton JOULE® uses light energy to damage the vessel walls of the excessive veins that create a red appearance in a scar. Once the wall becomes damaged, the body’s immune system will naturally break down the vessels until they no longer exist, thus returning the skin to its normal appearance.
| Purpose | Stimulates collagen growth at desired locations and depths to promote skin rejuvenation of scars |
| Appointment length | 1 hour |
| Time between appointments | 6 months |
| Downtime | 1-3 days |
| Payment plan eligible? | No |
Laser-Assisted Delivery of Sculptra®
Laser-Assisted Delivery of Sculptra represents a revolutionary approach to scar treatments, seamlessly blending advanced laser technology with the transformative effects of Sculptra. Through precise laser application, the skin is primed to optimize the absorption of Sculptra, a collagen-stimulating filler. This innovative combination not only targets scarred areas but also promotes collagen synthesis, gradually restoring volume and refining skin texture. Laser assistance enhances the efficacy of Sculptra, offering a synergistic solution for individuals seeking comprehensive scar reduction and skin rejuvenation.
| Purpose | Targets textural issues, wrinkles, acne scars and other imperfections |
| Appointment length | 30-60 minutes |
| Time between appointments | 4-8 weeks |
| Downtime | 0-3 Days |
| Payment plan eligible? | Yes |
What is Laser Resurfacing?
Profractional Sciton laser treatment delivers highly targeted laser energy into the skin, leaving a portion of the tissue intact. This is unlike other treatments which remove the entire surface area of the scar, requiring more downtime to heal. Profractional lasers eliminate unwanted color and stimulate the growth of new skin cells. They work great for treating acne scars that are uniform in depth.
| Purpose | Stimulates collagen production for long-term results |
| Appointment length | 1 hour |
| Time between appointments | 4-6 months |
| Downtime | None |
| Payment plan eligible? | No |
Bellafill® Treatment for Scars
Bellafill stands out as an exceptional solution for scar treatment, offering a unique and enduring approach to address various types of scarring. As a long-lasting dermal filler, Bellafill provides volume to the targeted scarred areas by stimulating collagen production in the skin. This action diminishes the visible appearance of scars and contributes to improved skin texture over time. Bellafill's effectiveness in delivering lasting results makes it a reliable choice for individuals seeking a comprehensive solution to reduce the prominence of scars and achieve smoother, more rejuvenated skin.
Free Consultation No Strings Attached
Receive a free consultation with our physician, Dr. Sabatino. All consultations end with a proposed treatment plan outline. We also offer a free follow-up appointment to check on your results after treatment is completed.
Rejuvenate. Renew. Revive.
12-Month Interest-Free Financing
Our treatments are very affordable with eligibility for different payment plan options. We offer 12-month interest-free financing for many of our treatments.