I have used the 1550 Fraxel for keloids with moderate benefits. I have switched to a fractionated CO2 (Lumenis). So far so good.

Lornell E. Hansen II, M.D.
www.LazaDerm.com

You might want to discuss pulsed-dye laser, cryotherapy and excision with your dermatologist.

lasers work on the basis of the color of the taget (keloid) vs the color of the skin and the color of the laser beam. Since there is no added color to the skin (as in a tattoo), I would think this makes the keloid the same color as the surrounding skin, therefore there is a minimal difference between the scar and the skin. This means in some cases the scar is hypopigmented and in others it is hyperpigmented. In either case there is virtually no difference in the color just the degree of color (dark or pale). Consequently, I am guessing but when the scar is lighter than surrounding skin it wouldn't work at all, however, if the scar is significantly darker than surrounding skin you might get some response but I would NEVER promise the client you can remove it. If it is only partially removed... it could be WORSE. Make sure you tell the patient there is NO WAY TO KNOW IN ADVANCE HOW SHE WILL REACT OR HEAL. IN SOME IT WORKS BETTER THAN OTHERS. PROTECT YOURSELF.

Lefty2G,

You have no idea what you are talking about. You think you do, but you don't. This fact alone makes you the worst kind of contributor. Not all laser wavelengths have melanin or blood (or color as you call it) as a chromophore. 1540 is one of those.

The next time someone asks a question about lasers you need to show restraint, although I know you want people to think you know something, and not say a word.

Don't be one of those people who contribute to the problem. People want to come to this site for education from people who are qualified to answer their questions. To use your all caps technique to get a point across. . . YOU ARE NOT ONE OF THESE PEOPLE.

The questions here are from laser operators who are using assorted color lasers, therefore, that means they do not KNOW enough about their laser. ALL I SUGGESTED WAS TO BEWARE. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT UNLESS YOU JUST WANT TO ATTACK ALL KELOIDS. What may have been good for you and your laser until now is not necessarily good for all others. Tattoos come in many colors. Did you ever think of that? BE CAREFUL.

leftyg-
This thread is not about tatoos. It is about keloid scarring and the success rate of the 1540 laser in treating them.

Since some of the "laser operators" who have replied here are MD's, I am certain that they would be aware of the very basic information that lasers work on the color spectrum.

I'm not jumping in with my opinion because I have no experience in treating keloid scars and know better than to try and advise medical professionals who do.

I don't know what is more appalling: your ignorance or your arrogance.

I also heard that incisional C02 laser provides excellent results for all shape/ size/ site of keloid scars.

I have seen successes of treating any type of keloid with ablative/incisional CO2 laser.

Agree with FL Don. Pulse dye laser in my clinic is very effective in reducing scars.