Soft Laser Treatment for Scars and Keloids – Home Therapy
If you have a bothersome scar or keloid on your skin—whether it formed after surgery, injury, or acne—soft laser therapy can help. It does not remove the scar, but research suggests it can favorably influence the quality of scar tissue: it may become softer, flatter, and paler. In this article I’ll show how the treatment works and what you can expect.
What is the difference between a scar and a keloid?
Scarring is a natural part of wound healing. The problem begins when the body "overreacts" to healing.
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Normal scar | Stays within the size of the wound, fades and flattens over time |
| Hypertrophic scar | Raised, but remains within the original wound borders. Usually improves within 1–2 years. |
| Keloid | Grows beyond the original wound borders. Thick, firm, reddish–purplish. Does not improve on its own and tends to recur after surgery. |
The exact cause of keloid formation is not fully understood, but the following play a role:
- Genetic predisposition (keloids occurring in the family)
- Disturbance of microcirculation around the wound
- Cellular-level energy production disturbance (mitochondrial dysfunction)
- Skin type (more common in darker skin)
How can the soft laser help?
Soft laser therapy (low-level laser therapy, LLLT) can support the remodeling of scar tissue. The mechanism of action works on several levels:
- Collagen remodeling: Gradual reorganization of the fibrous structure of scar tissue
- Improved microcirculation: Better blood supply in the scar tissue
- Fibroblast regulation: Normalization of the activity of collagen-producing cells
- Anti-inflammatory effect: Reduction of inflammatory processes in actively growing keloids
“A keloid does not disappear from soft laser treatment, but it thins, becomes softer and its color fades. This is the realistic expectation.”
— Dr. Zátrok Zsolt
What do the studies show?
The evidence for the effect of lasers on scars is mixed. It is important to clarify that most studies have investigated higher-powered, medical lasers (e.g. pulsed dye laser, fractional CO2 laser), not home-use soft laser devices.
A 2013 meta-analysis analyzed data from 28 clinical trials. Overall, laser therapy showed a 68% response rate for hypertrophic scar treatment and 72% for keloids. Treatment reduced scar thickness and redness and improved elasticity.
The evidence is more limited for home-use soft laser devices (LLLT). In one study, scars treated with soft laser showed significant macroscopic improvement and a reduction in thickness even for older scars.
Important: Soft laser appears more promising for keloid prevention than for treating already established keloids. If you have a fresh wound and are prone to keloids, early soft laser treatment may help prevent keloid formation.
What can you realistically expect?
From home soft laser treatment you can expect the following results:
Realistic expectations:
- The scar may become paler
- The keloid may become softer and more elastic
- Thickness may decrease
- Itching and tightness may diminish
- With a fresh wound, a more aesthetic scar may form
Not to be expected:
- Complete disappearance of the keloid
- Immediate, dramatic change (months are needed)
- 100% prevention in those with keloid-prone tendency
How to perform the treatment?
Treatment protocol for scars and keloids
| Parameter | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Wavelength | 660 nm (red) – for surface scars 808 nm (infrared) – for surface and deeper tissues |
| Energy | 5–8 J/cm² per point |
| Technique | Point-by-point treatment – move along the scar every 1 cm |
| Frequency | Daily or every other day |
| Course length | Minimum 4–5 months! Scar tissue remodeling is a slow process. |
Procedure with the Personal Laser L200/L400
- Hold the laser source 0.5–1 cm from the skin, perpendicular to the scar
- Wait for the 10-second beep (this corresponds to 5 Joules of energy)
- Move the laser 1 cm along the scar
- Repeat along the entire length of the scar
- For thick keloids: 20 s/point (2 beeps)
Keloid prevention on a fresh wound
If you are prone to keloids (e.g. you had them before or they occur in your family), early treatment of a fresh wound can help:
- Start treatment as soon as the wound has closed (about 1–2 weeks later)
- Treat daily for 2–3 months
- Goal: support normal scar formation
Recommended devices
For scars and keloids, devices that emit a high-energy, point-like laser beam are the most suitable.
Primary recommendation:
- Personal Laser L200 – 660 nm, 200 mW. Best price/performance ratio. Its point-like beam precisely follows the scar line. 5 Joules in under 25 seconds – fast treatment.
Cost-effective alternative:
- B-Cure Laser Pro – More affordable but lower power. Advantage: covers 4.5 cm2 at once. Treatment time is 5 minutes/point.
For advanced users:
- Energy-Laser L500 Pro – 808 nm, 500 mW. Deeper penetration for thick keloids.
Before you start treatment
For safe use it is important to know the contraindications.
When NOT to use it?
- On an open wound (wait until the surface has closed)
- On infected areas
- On skin areas affected by cancer
- Directly into the eye
Detailed information on contraindications: Soft Laser Therapy Contraindications
Possible side effects
Soft laser treatment is generally free of side effects. Rarely, the following may occur:
- Mild, temporary redness
- Mild sensation of warmth
Important: Treating keloids is a complex task. If you have a large or severe keloid, consult a dermatologist! Soft laser therapy does not replace medical treatments (steroid injections, pressure therapy, etc.), but can be used as an adjunct therapy.
Other soft laser applications
Soft laser therapy can support the treatment of many other conditions and complaints. For an overview of all home-use applications read the Soft Laser Therapy at Home – Treatment of Conditions article.
If you are new to soft laser therapy, start with the Comprehensive Guide to Soft Laser Therapy.
Summary – Quick overview
What is this article? A guide to home soft laser treatment of scars and keloids.
Who is it for? People bothered by scars or keloids, and those seeking keloid prevention.
Key message: Soft laser treatment does not remove keloids, but with regular, persistent use the scar can become softer, thinner and paler. A minimum of 4–5 months of treatment is required.
Frequently asked questions:
Will a keloid disappear with soft laser treatment?
No, but it can thin out, become softer and fade.
How long do you need to treat?
Minimum 4–5 months, daily or every other day – scar tissue remodeling is slow.
Can keloids be prevented?
If you are prone to keloids, early treatment of a fresh wound can help support normal scar formation.
References
- Jin R, et al. (2013). Laser therapy for prevention and treatment of pathologic excessive scars. Plast Reconstr Surg. PubMed: 24281600
- Leszczynski R, et al. (2022). Laser therapy for treating hypertrophic and keloid scars. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. PubMed: 36161591
- Barolet D, et al. (2010). Prophylactic low-level light therapy for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Lasers Surg Med. PubMed: 20662038
- Carvalho RL, et al. (2013). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on scar tissue. J Cosmet Laser Ther. PubMed: 23607736
The information in this article is for informational purposes only. Home therapeutic devices are intended to complement medical treatment and do not replace specialist care. Consult a dermatologist for severe keloids.
