Understanding scars and the potential of new technology for revision

Scars, a universal consequence of injury and surgery, can often leave a lasting physical and emotional impact.

While they represent the body's remarkable healing power, raised, discoloured, or itchy scars can significantly affect a person's self-esteem and quality of life. In the UK, over 20 million people are living with significant scarring, of which almost one quarter have said this caused significant emotional or physical problems.¹

Traditionally, scar revision options have been limited, with varying degrees of success. Fortunately, advancements in technology are transforming the field of scar revision, offering practitioners exciting new tools to address these concerns. The Alma Hybrid laser has emerged as one such tool, backed by promising new research.

The Alma Hybrid in action

A recent publication, "Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars Treatment" published in Plastic Surgery (2024),² sheds light on the effectiveness of the Alma Hybrid. The study evaluated the Hybrid Proscan applicator on 61 patients with both keloid and hypertrophic scars.

The results showed that hypertrophic and keloid scar patients experienced significant reductions in their Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores (62% ± 8% and 58% ± 7, respectively). This indicates a marked improvement in scar appearance.² Additionally, the study reported high patient satisfaction and minimal side effects.²

These findings position Alma Hybrid as a first line of treatment for scarring and a valuable addition to specialists' armamentarium.

The Alma Hybrid Technological Advantage

The Alma Hybrid combines three highly powerful, complementary energy sources:

• CO₂ laser: This ablative laser precisely removes surface irregularities while stimulating collagen production for improved texture.
• Erbium-glass laser: This non-ablative 1540nm laser works deep within the skin, promoting collagen synthesis without damaging the surface.
• Ultrasound technology: This innovative feature facilitates deeper penetration of the laser energy, allowing for more targeted and customised treatment.

This customisable synergy is what sets the Alma Hybrid apart. Alma's patented HyGrid technology weaves these lasers into the ideal pattern, in the case of serious scarring, the two lasers can be stacked on top of each other, allowing the CO₂ to reach much more profound depths for seriously transformative results.  The HyGrid versatility allows practitioners to also adjust ablative-to-non-ablative ratios to:

1. Treat a range of the most complex scars (Keloid, Hypertrophic and Keloid) by precisely treating multiple skin layers with an ablative, thermal and coagulative effect at once.
2. Effectively balance results with recovery time for ultimate patient satisfaction.
3. Treat all skin tones, up to Fitzpatrick 6, with the correct preparation and aftercare.

To learn more about the Alma Hybrid, contact Alma at almalasers.co.uk

References:

1. The Scar Free Foundation commissioned a Censuswide poll of 1,000 UK respondents, September 2019. 28% said they had a scar [Accessed About Scarring — The Scar Free Foundation [March 2024]
2. Menashe, S., Heller, L. Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars Treatment. Aesth Plast Surg (2024).

This is a sponsored story in association with Alma Lasers.