Scar and Adhesion Treatment with High-Power Laser

Scars as a Response to Injury

Scars are the final and inevitable stage of skin recovery following injuries, burns, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, or traditional surgeries. According to WHO data from 2020, approximately 10% of the global population is affected by complications related to scarring, which amounts to roughly 600 million people. Another significant issue related to scars is adhesions, which can limit mobility not only in the scar area but also in the surrounding regions.

Adhesions can be thought of as scar-like connections between surfaces of two or more organs that normally are not supposed to be connected. They typically form as a response to injury, which can occur due to mechanical causes after surgery or as a result of inflammation.

Common Causes of Adhesions:

• Surgeries in the abdominal area
• Inflammatory diseases (appendicitis, ovarian inflammation, endometriosis)
• Cesarean sections
• Inflammatory bowel diseases

Both scars and adhesions can remain asymptomatic or cause a variety of chronic issues.

Examples of Possible Complications:

• Restricted breathing, limited range of motion, or reduced strength
• Frequent muscle cramps
• Persistent stiffness in the spine or joints
• Numbness or burning sensations due to nerve irritation
• Digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, or pain during/after meals
• Gynecological issues like menstrual or ovulation pain
• Difficulty conceiving or complications during pregnancy

Laser as the Gold Standard for Treating Scars and Adhesions

High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HIL) technology is now considered the “gold” standard for treating problematic scars by experts. Research and studies over the past decade have shown that various combinations of HIL therapy in patients with problematic scars and adhesions significantly reduce clinical symptoms. Benefits include rapid onset of effects, lasting pain relief, and a shortened recovery period.

Laser Relieves Pain

The sedative effect of HIL therapy results from several mechanisms, including its ability to reduce the transmission of pain impulses and its capacity to increase the production of substances that mimic the effect of morphine. The analgesic effect can also result from stimulating nerve fibers that block the pathway for pain signals.

Boosts Natural Body Regeneration

The biostimulatory effect promotes cellular growth, cell repair, improves blood flow, and enhances vascular permeability. The mechanism of light at the cellular level, which drives its biological effects, is based on a photobiological reaction involving the absorption of specific wavelengths of light by photoreceptor molecules. The resulting physiological effects include changes in cell membrane permeability, increased cellular metabolism, DNA and RNA synthesis, new cell production (such as collagen), immune system activation, and increased endorphin production.

Improves Scar Properties

High-power lasers help restore tissue microrelief and improve the functional properties of scars, such as elasticity, flexibility, moisture, and blood circulation.

Laser for Scars Immediately After Suture Removal

Laser therapy is an effective tool for faster post-operative recovery. It also effectively combats potential complications during the healing phase. It helps limit the formation of scar tissue, reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, stimulate tissue growth, and accelerate pain relief and healing overall. It is also beneficial for peripheral neuropathy, which can occur as an unwanted complication due to nerve inflammation.

We recommend clients come for laser treatment immediately after suture removal or as soon as their health allows. Some clients wait until they experience pain in the scar area. By coming in early, their rehabilitation is sped up, and we observe better return of movement range compared to those who don’t use laser therapy during their recovery. However, it’s never too late to start laser treatment, and even old scars can be treated to alleviate chronic problems associated with them.

Laser Therapy for Endometriosis

High-power laser therapy penetrates deeply into tissues and induces both chemical and mechanical changes. You can read more about endometriosis in the following article. These physical properties are responsible for processes that lead to rapid suppression of inflammation and painful symptoms.

A 2018 study examined 40 women with mild to moderate endometriosis. The group of women, aged 24 to 32, was divided, with 20 women receiving HIL therapy three times a week for eight weeks in combination with hormone treatment. The second group underwent placebo laser therapy, also in combination with hormone treatment. The study concluded that HIL therapy is an effective method for reducing pain, adhesion formation, and improving the quality of life for women with endometriosis compared to the placebo.

Cesarean Section and Accelerated Healing with Laser

Cesarean sections are common in obstetric practice and are still associated with a fivefold higher risk of infection compared to vaginal delivery. You can read more about C-section scars in the following article. HIL therapy accelerates wound healing, helping mothers recover more quickly and effectively, making it easier for them to care for their newborns. In the case of a C-section scar, it’s essential to get approval from a gynecologist before starting laser treatment (a phone consultation is often sufficient).

A study examining scar healing speed focused on women with diabetes after cesarean sections, where wound healing is often complicated. The research was conducted on 40 women aged 28 to 38, randomly divided into two groups. The first group received HIL therapy for six weeks, three times a week, along with standard diabetic medication. The second group received placebo HIL therapy for six weeks, three times a week, along with standard diabetes treatment. At the end of the treatment program, results showed that HIL therapy significantly improved wound size and appearance compared to placebo laser therapy.

We’re Here to Help with Your Scars

Wounds that heal poorly pose a serious health problem because they can significantly affect quality of life and even cause emotional trauma. At Fyzio World, we have long-term experience and are always seeking innovative strategies to support skin wound healing. Laser therapy provides us with a way to stimulate and strengthen your body’s natural regeneration processes. Don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment. We will carefully explain everything to you and treat your scars effectively.