Laser Surgery for Shingles Scars

Hello Dr., I am a 30 yr old female and I just had shingles about 2 months ago which left unsightly scars on my right, lower leg. I was wondering... can laser surgery help remove those scars? And if so, how soon can I start laser skin treatment? I have very pale white skin and would like the scars to be removed without my skin pigmentation changing. Do you also know how much they usually cost?

Thank you so much.

Kirsten

[kirsten_p]

PS: Sorry, I thought everyone here is a Dr. So yeah, I'm asking anyone really who has medical knowledge and/or experience having laser surgery or has had shingles scar, etc.

Thanks!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Scar marks due to Shingles are commonly seen. However, the intensity and spread of these marks may vary. The treatment options are therefore dependent on these factors.

Topical applications and cosmetic treatments are available for this. They may also be available OTC for some users. However, professional advise may be needed in some cases depending on extent of lesions.

Some of these include, appplications such as collagen, microdermabrasion etc..

Laser therapy may help but the results are inconclusive- You should consult a skin specialist about this.

Till then  apply generous amounts of moisturizer eg vitamin E cream on the area. This may minimize the scarring and may help smoothen the area but will not readily revert skin to normal.

Do let me know if you may have any other queries.

Regards.

[kirsten_p]

Thank you for your response Doctor!

I was thinking of applying Mederma but wanted a quick fix and thought of laser surgery. The scars are pretty bad and it's a lot, making me self-conscious and made my confidence really low. I guess I will have to see a dermatologist so they can see my scars, but for now, I will do as you suggested and just apply moisturizer with vit E.

Thanks again for your help.

Kirsten

[manan1986]

Hi Kirsten ,

I got shingles 2 months before . Same as you got ugly marks i got on my nose . My mom send me mederma from overseas to get ridd off from that marks .

Just wondering if you tell me mederma is working on your marks or its still the same as it looks earlier. or is its safe to use on shigles marks . because  when i used it i feel something wiered.