Facial Scar Treatment: Scratched by a Pet, Can Lasers Help? | [Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon]

Spending time with pets often leads to facial scratches from their claws or teeth, more frequently than one might expect. When a scar is left on the face, the first question that comes to mind is usually: Will it disappear naturally if left alone, or should it be treated with a laser? To answer directly, the face is an area prone to scarring, so observing the condition from the early stages of the injury and managing it with lasers if necessary can be helpful for recovery.

Scratches from a pet's claws or teeth can easily damage deep layers of the skin. The face, in particular, has thin skin and is frequently exposed to UV rays, so injuries often result in hyperpigmentation, uneven texture, or depressed scars.

If pigment settles or tissue fills in incorrectly during the healing process, correction can become more challenging over time. Therefore, checking the condition and establishing a management plan from the initial stages is advantageous for reducing scars.

If the mark is red and raised, we would examine the blood vessels and pigment together, similar to the principles of V-beam Facial Redness Treatment. If the mark is deeply pigmented, it aligns with the approach used in Acne Care: Laser + Scaling.

Scars vary in type and depth depending on their condition. Therefore, rather than treating all scars with a single device, we select the appropriate equipment, from Vbeam Prima to Ultrapulse Encore, according to the scar type.

Vbeam Prima is a laser used for red marks, vascular scars, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It selectively targets blood vessels in the skin with a 585nm wavelength, offering the following features:

• Works to reduce redness
• Designed to minimize damage to surrounding skin, suitable for sensitive facial areas
• Includes a cooling function that can aid in post-treatment recovery

This device is primarily considered for red scars or early inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by pet scratches. However, the degree of response may vary among individuals, so the number of sessions and intervals are adjusted after consultation.

For any questions, please inquire through Facial Scar Laser Consultation.

For depressed scars or deep dermal damage, we use Ultrapulse Encore, a CO₂ fractional laser. The laser energy penetrates deep into the skin and is known to work as follows:

• Induces collagen regeneration
• Promotes new skin regeneration while removing damaged scar tissue
• Improves scar depth, shape, and texture simultaneously
• Irradiates in microscopic dot units to help reduce recovery time and downtime burden

This is suitable for old scars with dermal damage or depressed facial scars. If the indentation is clear, methods like Surgical Scar Revision may be considered in conjunction with laser treatment. For subtly depressed marks, Mild Pinhole can also be considered.

The number and interval of treatments vary depending on the scar condition, but the general approach is as follows:

• Early red scars primarily with Vbeam Prima
• Depressed scars primarily with Ultrapulse Encore

The above content is based on generally followed procedures. Since customized treatment is provided according to the scar condition, individual skin type, and recovery ability, it is safest and best for predicting results to establish a plan after a thorough examination.

After laser treatment, the skin enters a regeneration process. To aid recovery and reduce hyperpigmentation, it is advisable to follow these guidelines:

• Avoid touching the treated area with hands or forcibly removing scabs
• Ensure thorough UV protection when going outdoors
• Moisturize sufficiently to prevent dryness
• Avoid activities that raise body temperature, such as saunas or strenuous exercise, during early recovery
• Be careful to prevent re-scratching the contact area with pets

In the clinic, even for the same pet-related injury, the treatment direction changes depending on whether redness or indentation is predominant. Therefore, it is crucial to directly examine the injury, identify the cause and form of the scar, and then combine appropriate equipment.

Moments with pets are undeniably lovely, but facial scars left in the process can linger if not managed quickly. By utilizing devices like Vbeam Prima and Ultrapulse Encore, we tailor the treatment direction to the cause and form of the scar.

It is reported that the earlier the treatment time for scars, the wider the range of options. If you are concerned about marks on your face, we recommend checking their condition without delay.

Sang-Joo Lee, Chief Director (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School; Completed Dermatology Residency at Severance Hospital; President of the Korean Dermatological Association)

Chief Director Sang-Joo Lee's Profile

First Published 2025-05-09 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16

The response and recovery of scars can vary from person to person, and we recommend consulting with medical staff for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.