LightScan™ for Scars & Stretch Marks

Fractional laser treatment to improve the colour and texture of stretch marks, scars and acne scarring

LightScan™ is a non-ablative fractional laser that helps improve the appearance of stretch marks, scars and acne scarring by stimulating collagen remodelling in the skin, without removing the skin surface and with minimal downtime.

LightScan is a computerised scanner handpiece that connects to the same Eufoton laser device we use for Endolift®. For marks and scars, it treats the skin in a fine grid of microscopic points, prompting the skin to rebuild itself from within while healthy skin between the points speeds up healing. Treatment is carried out at Clinicbe in Knightsbridge, London.

What is LightScan™?

Stretch marks and scars are areas where the skin’s collagen structure has been disrupted, leaving marks that can be red, white, raised, sunken or textured differently from the surrounding skin. Fractional laser treatment creates thousands of tiny, controlled zones of heat in the dermis. The skin responds by remodelling collagen in those areas, which can gradually improve the colour, smoothness and overall appearance of the mark.

Because the scanner is computerised, your practitioner can adjust the treated area, the spacing of the micro-points and the energy delivered. That flexibility matters for these concerns: a fresh red stretch mark, an older white one and a shallow acne scar each need different settings.

What LightScan™ can help with:

• Red (early) stretch marks
• White (established) stretch marks
• Acne scarring: especially shallow and rolling scars, on the face, back, chest and shoulders
• Surgical and other scars where the skin texture has changed
• Uneven skin texture around marks and scarred areas

Looking for facial rejuvenation, fine lines or pigmentation? See our LightScan Fractional Laser skin page.

How does LightScan™ work?

1. Tiny, controlled zones of heat. The laser creates thousands of micro-columns in the dermis, each around 200 microns wide, leaving the skin between them untouched.
2. The surface stays intact. This is a non-ablative treatment, so the outer skin layer is preserved and recovery is quick.
3. Remodelling from within. The skin responds by breaking down damaged tissue and building new collagen, which can narrow depressions and improve texture and colour.
4. Gradual improvement. Collagen takes time to form, so improvements build over the weeks and months after each session, and several sessions are usually needed.

LightScan™ for Stretch Marks

Stretch marks (striae) appear when the skin is stretched quickly, for example during pregnancy, growth spurts, weight change or muscle gain. Their appearance changes over time, and so does the best treatment approach.

Red stretch marks

Early stretch marks look red or purple because of the small blood vessels within them. This is the stage where treatment tends to be most effective, and the settings are tailored to the colour and age of the marks.

White stretch marks

Older stretch marks are pale, flat or slightly sunken. For these, the 1470 nm fractional laser creates microcolumns of heat in the dermis, which encourages the skin to remodel and can improve the depth and texture of the mark. Between two and five sessions are commonly needed, depending on the size and severity of the marks.

Larger areas with loose skin

Where stretch marks sit on areas that also have loose skin or small pockets of stubborn fat, such as the abdomen, hips or thighs, we may discuss combining LightScan with Endolift® Body, which tightens and contours from beneath the skin. Our Stretch Marks page explains the other options we offer.

LightScan™ for Scars

Scars can result from surgery, injury, burns or skin conditions, and each behaves differently. LightScan can help improve texture and appearance in suitable scars by stimulating collagen remodelling, softening the contrast between the scar and the surrounding skin.

Results depend on the type, age, size and location of the scar, and scars are rarely erased completely. A realistic goal is a visible improvement. We will be honest with you at consultation about what is achievable, and whether a different treatment, or a combination, is more appropriate. See our Scarring and Scar Treatment and Low Frequency Ultrasound for Scars pages for the full range of options.

If you have a tendency to keloid or very raised scarring, please tell us at consultation, as this affects whether laser is suitable.

LightScan™ for Acne Scarring

Acne scars form when inflammatory acne damages the collagen beneath the skin, leaving depressions and uneven texture that can last long after the acne has cleared.

Non-ablative fractional 1470 nm lasers are a gentler alternative to ablative lasers such as fractional CO2, which carry a higher risk of prolonged downtime and pigment changes, although non-ablative approaches often need more sessions. A recent case series used a fractional 1470 nm diode laser alongside subcision and filler and reported progressive reductions in scar depth on ultrasound measurement. The study was small and uncontrolled, so the findings are preliminary.

• Rolling scars and shallow boxcar scars generally respond best to fractional laser.
• Deep boxcar and ice pick scars are harder to treat and often benefit from a combined approach.

Our Acne Scarring page sets out the full range of treatments, and LightScan may be combined with options such as Dermapen microneedling, radiofrequency & microneedling or dermal fillers. If you still have active acne, this needs to be under control before laser treatment.