Fotona™ Laser Scar Removal — post-traumatic, surgical and acne scars
Fotona lasers are modern methods of removing and treating scars at every stage of healing — from fresh scars, still with stitches in place, through young red scars, to mature, pale scars, including scars that are several years old. The synergy of Er:YAG fractional treatment, cold ablation and controlled Nd:YAG heating remodels the structure of the scar.
Fotona laser scar removal — how it works
Fotona laser treatments are modern methods of removing and treating post-traumatic, surgical and acne scars at every stage of healing — from fresh scars (even with stitches still in place), through newer, red scars, to mature, pale scars, including scars that are several years old. Fresh scars are treated with the Nd:YAG beam, which warms the newly forming collagen, lowering the risk of scar overgrowth. Healed scars undergo Er:YAG fractional treatment with the F-Runner scanner — dozens of micro-injuries per cm² of the scar, surrounded by healthy skin, heal quickly, producing new collagen and improving the colour, thickness and structure of the scar.
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How scars form and how the laser remodels them
Scars form as a result of deep skin damage — the defect in the dermis is replaced by fibrous connective tissue. A scar may be hypertrophic/keloid (raised, firm, often red) or atrophic (depressed, common with acne). The Fotona laser works through synergy: Er:YAG fractional treatment of the scar (a network of micro-injuries that rebuild collagen), cold ablation (vaporising the surface of raised and overgrown scars to level them) and controlled warming of the dermis (remodelling deeper collagen structures and stimulating fibroblasts). At Velvet Skin Clinic we perform the treatment with three Er:YAG and Nd:YAG handpieces — a full or fractional beam, the R11 manual handpiece or the digital F-Runner scanner.
Laser scar removal is one of the most frequently performed therapies in our Fotona laser portfolio. In total, we have performed 9 671 treatments on Fotona platforms.
Source: Versum and Booksy reports, as of 30.06.2026.
How the Fotona laser remodels a scar
Er:YAG fractional treatment
The F-Runner / F-22 scanner creates a network of micro-injuries surrounded by healthy skin — intensive collagen rebuilding within the scar.
Cold ablation
Vaporising the surface of raised and overgrown scars to level it with the surrounding skin.
controlled Nd:YAG heating
Controlled warming of the dermis remodels deeper collagen structures and stimulates fibroblasts to produce elastin.
The choice of handpiece (R11, F-Runner), beam (full/fractional) and effect (ablative/thermal) depends on the type, age and depth of the scar. For comfort, the skin is cooled with the Cryo6 cooling device.
Which scars can be removed with the laser
What laser scar removal helps with
We use this treatment for 2 indications. It works a little differently for each of them — below we describe what exactly it does in each case.
Acne scars
A separate Fotona procedure targeted at the scar itself, not the whole surface of the face — matched to the stage of healing and the nature of the lesion. We choose it when there are a few clearly defined scars, instead of working on the entire complexion.
02Scars on the body
A treatment matched to the stage of healing and the nature of the scar — we work differently with a fresh C-section scar than with a years-old, contracted one. For post-surgical scars it is the method of first choice.
Not sure which indication describes your situation? Explore the concerns we treat or ask during a consultation.
Do you have a scar from surgery, a C-section or acne? Book a consultation — we will assess the scar and tailor a treatment plan.
Book a consultationWhat research says about laser scar therapy
Laser scar treatment (ablative fractional Er:YAG, combination therapy) is the subject of studies and meta-analyses. The papers below concern fractional laser technology — the mechanism common to laser scar removal.
Atrophic acne scars
A meta-analysis and systematic review compared fractional CO2 and fractional Er:YAG in the treatment of atrophic acne scars — both methods effectively improve the appearance of scars.
PubMed →Early post-traumatic phase
A study of fractional Er:YAG 2940 nm resurfacing demonstrated safety and efficacy in the treatment of post-traumatic scars as early as the initial period after the injury.
PubMed →Scar collagen remodelling
A comparative clinical-immuno-histopathological study confirmed collagen remodelling in atrophic scars after fractional laser treatment (with and without platelet-rich plasma).
PubMed →The cited studies concern fractional laser technology, not a specific device brand. The number and type of treatments are determined by a specialist; results depend on the type, age and depth of the scar.
What laser scar removal looks like
First, a detailed review of your medical history is carried out to rule out contraindications. After the skin is cleansed and disinfected, the treatment is performed, and the treated area is cooled with the Cryo6 cooling device. Immediately after the treatment the skin may be very red and swollen; slight bleeding may occur, and a small amount of fluid may ooze from the treated area — this subsides within 1–2 days. Micro-scabs then form and heal over the following 7–14 days.
Medical interview
A specialist assesses the scar type and rules out contraindications.
Cleansing and disinfection
Preparing the scar area.
Laser session + Cryo6
Er:YAG fractional treatment and/or controlled Nd:YAG heating with skin cooling.
Healing
Micro-scabs heal in 7–14 days; collagen remodelling continues for weeks.
Aftercare recommendations — scar removal
After the treatment the skin needs protection and gentle care. Micro-scabs and peeling are a normal and expected part of healing; leave them undisturbed.
Protect from the sun (SPF 50+)
For at least 4 weeks, keep the treated area out of the sun; use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen.
Avoid heat and exertion
For 5 days, skip the sauna, intense exercise and anything that dilates blood vessels.
Gentle skincare
Mild cleansers (Cetaphil) and soothing creams (Avene Cicalfate, Alantan); no soap or alcohol-based toners.
Do not pick at the scabs
Let the micro-scabs fall off on their own — this lowers the risk of discolouration and complications.
Follow your treatment plan
A full course is usually 4–10 treatments every 4 weeks, with a follow-up around 6 weeks after the last session.
Informational and educational material. Detailed recommendations are provided by a specialist; results and healing are individual.
See the clinic and the treatment — laser scar removal
Authentic photos from our Velvet Skin Clinic locations in Warsaw (Świętokrzyska — City Centre, Niepodległości — Mokotów).
Laser scar removal — price in Warsaw
The price depends on the size and type of the scar. Depending on the thickness, depth and extent of the scar, a full course may consist of 4–10 treatments every 4 weeks. Therapy continues until you are happy with the result — it can be concluded at any stage. We set the plan and the quote during a consultation.
Key facts
See also — related therapies
Laser stretch mark removal
Fractional Er:YAG therapy for fresh and years-old stretch marks on the body.
See moreLaser acne treatment
Therapy for active acne — combined with scar removal in the case of acne scars.
See moreFotona fractional resurfacing
Er:YAG fractional rejuvenation and smoothing of skin texture.
See more„I got rid of my complex, namely post-acne scars, highly recommended. (translated from Polish)"
Lena J. · 2024review from Google„Great approach to the patient. I felt listened to, looked after, and the cause of my skin problem was understood. Based on that, the treatment was tailored accordingly, aimed at reducing redness on the face. At this point I'm satisfied and have no complaints so far. Recommended. (translated from Polish)"
Artur · 2024review from Booksy„A very elegant place, but without excessive distance. The staff are open, patient, and the atmosphere is relaxing. Everything happens according to plan, no unpleasant surprises. You can genuinely rest here, mentally and physically. (translated from Polish)"
Natalia M. · 2025review from GoogleContraindications to Fotona treatments
A specialist assesses each case individually during the interview. Alongside temporary contraindications (a fresh tan, retinoids, antibiotics, herpes), absolute contraindications apply (including highly vascularised keloids):
Frequently asked questions — laser scar removal
Which scars can be treated with the Fotona laser?
We use the laser to treat surgical scars (including C-section scars), post-traumatic, burn, acne (atrophic and hypertrophic) and chickenpox scars — at every stage of healing, from fresh scars with stitches to older scars. The exception is highly vascularised keloids.
Does the laser remove C-section scars?
Yes. C-section scars are a common indication. We warm fresh scars with the Nd:YAG beam to lower the risk of overgrowth, and treat healed ones with Er:YAG fractional passes — improving the colour, thickness and structure of the scar.
How many laser scar removal treatments are needed?
Depending on the thickness, depth and extent of the scar, a full course usually includes 4 to 10 treatments every 4 weeks. Therapy continues until you are happy with the result — at any stage it can be concluded or extended.
Does the laser remove raised and hypertrophic scars?
Yes. Raised and hypertrophic scars are levelled with the cold ablation technique (vaporising the surface down to the level of the surrounding skin) combined with warming of the collagen structures. Highly vascularised keloids, however, are a contraindication.
When are the results of laser scar removal visible?
The first results are visible once the skin has healed (micro-scabs come off in 7–14 days), and collagen remodelling and improvements in scar structure build up over the following weeks and months of the course. The result is individual and depends on the type and age of the scar.
How much does laser scar removal cost?
The price starts from 400 zł and depends on the size and type of the scar. We set the exact quote during a consultation. You will find the full price list on our pricing page.
Treatments are performed by our cosmetologists
Treatments at Velvet Skin Clinic are performed by certified cosmetologists with many years of experience in laser therapy, hi-tech devices and skincare treatments. After a consultation we match the method and the specialist to your skin and goal.
Book your treatment — laser scar removal
ul. Świętokrzyska 30
00-116 Warszawa · opposite the Palace of Culture and Science
tel. 500 53 30 30
See what the research says
The publications this offer is based on — with PMID identifiers and an assessment of the strength of evidence.