Will Lasers Improve My Burn Scars and How Much Does It Cost?

Q:  Dr. Eppley, how much is the laser removal for scars for burns?

A: There are several problems with your request. There is no such thing as ‘scar removal’ by any method. Scars can be treated so that they may be less noticeable but there is no such thing as scar removal. Scars can only be improved but never are they able to be removed, hence the term ‘scar revision’.  The treatment for burn scars is variable given the very diverse presentation of burn scars. It is fair to say that laser resurfacing is often the only option for many burn scars given the large surface area that many burns have. Whether that approach would even be worthwhile or effective would require a visual inspection of the scars. Until this is done, no reasonable assessment of potential effectiveness or cost can be given.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana