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Self-Harm Scar Treatment
Los Angeles, CA

Why Choose Nazarian Plastic Surgery for Your Self-Harm Scar Treatment?

Nazarian Plastic Surgery is a physician-led practice with deep expertise in advanced laser technology and scar revision. Dr. Sheila Nazarian is a board-certified plastic surgeon with national recognition, including her Emmy-nominated Netflix series Skin Decision. At her Beverly Hills facility, she and her team offer medical-grade solutions tailored to each scar type and skin tone. The practice is equipped with the full suite of cutting-edge laser platforms—including fractional CO2, erbium, and non-ablative technologies—designed for maximum efficacy with minimal downtime. Patients benefit from a medically sound, results-oriented approach without overpromising.

Self-Harm Scar Treatment at a Glance

  • Physician-led laser and scar revision treatments
  • Options for red, hyperpigmented, raised, atrophic, or irregular scars
  • Advanced fractional and non-ablative lasers available
  • Minimal to moderate downtime, depending on approach

What is Self-Harm Scar Treatment?


Self-harm scars, while no longer medically active, often leave behind long-term changes in the skin's texture, pigmentation, and visibility. Treatment focuses on improving the aesthetic appearance of these scars through resurfacing, pigment blending, and collagen remodeling. Most protocols involve either laser therapy or surgical revision, depending on the scar’s characteristics.

Surgical Scar Treatments

Surgical scar revision may be recommended for deep, tethered, or wide scars that cannot be improved significantly with lasers alone. These procedures typically involve:

  • Scar Excision and Re-closure: Removing the scar and re-suturing the skin in a more controlled, low-tension manner
  • Z-Plasty or Geometric Broken Line Closure: To reorient and break up linear scarring
  • Steroid or 5-FU Injections: To reduce thickened or hypertrophic scar tissue

All surgical scar revisions are performed under local anesthesia with minimal downtime.

Laser Scar Treatments

Laser treatment is the first-line option for most self-harm scars due to its non-invasive nature and effectiveness across scar types. At Nazarian Plastic Surgery, we have over 30 lasers and devices.

  • Fractional erbium Laser (Profractional): Targets texture irregularities, improves collagen remodeling, and flattens raised areas
  • Erbium:YAG Laser: Ideal for precise resurfacing with less thermal damage; used for shallow or pigment-related scars
  • Non-Ablative Lasers (e.g., PicoSure, ExcelV): Stimulate collagen production, reduce brown and red pigment with no downtime; excellent for subtle improvement and maintenance
  • IPL (Intense Pulsed Light, Broad Band Light): Helps reduce redness or pigmentation left behind by scars

Treatment modality is chosen based on the scar’s location, age, texture, and color.

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Self-Harm Scar Treatment Benefits

The goal of treatment is to reduce the visibility of scars and improve overall skin quality. While complete removal isn’t always possible, substantial improvements can be made. Benefits include:

  • More uniform skin texture and tone
  • Reduced discoloration (hyperpigmentation or erythema)
  • Improved contour and blending of scarred skin with surrounding tissue
  • Non-invasive and minimally invasive options are available
  • Little to no social downtime, depending on the laser used

Self-Harm Scar Treatment Candidates

Candidates include patients who:

  • Have fully healed self-harm scars (no active wounds)
  • Have not had isotretinoin use in the last 6–12 months (laser-specific)
  • Are in generally good health
  • Are not prone to keloids (or are being treated with adjunctive therapy)
  • Understand that treatment will reduce—but not erase—scar appearance

Contraindications include active skin infections in the area to be treated, poor wound healing history, or uncontrolled medical conditions.

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Consultation and Preparation

During your consultation, Dr. Nazarian will assess the scar’s type, depth, and location. A treatment plan will be created using the appropriate laser or surgical approach. Photos are taken for tracking progress. Skin may need to be preconditioned with topical agents prior to laser use. Patients should:

  • Avoid sun exposure before and after treatment
  • Discontinue retinoids 5–7 days prior
  • Disclose any history of cold sores (prophylactic antiviral may be prescribed)
  • Follow individualized prep instructions if combining with other treatments

Your Self-Harm Scar Treatment Procedure

Most procedures are performed in-office under topical numbing or local anesthesia. Depending on the treatment plan:

  • Laser sessions last 15–45 minutes
  • Surgical excision takes about 30–60 minutes

Multiple laser sessions may be recommended, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. You’ll leave with specific post-care instructions and follow-up appointments scheduled to monitor progress.

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Results, Recovery, and Aftercare

You may notice improvement after the first session, but optimal results generally appear after 2–4 treatments. Redness, swelling, or peeling may occur temporarily. Post-treatment care includes:

  • Avoiding sun exposure and using SPF 30+ daily
  • Keeping the area moisturized with physician-recommended ointments
  • Avoiding exfoliants or active skincare until cleared
  • Using silicone gel or sheets if prescribed

Results are long-lasting, and maintenance treatments may be scheduled annually for optimal skin blending.

Schedule Your Los Angeles Self-Harm Scar Treatment Consultation with Dr. Sheila Nazarian Today

If you’re ready to treat visible self-harm scarring with medical precision, schedule a consultation at Nazarian Plastic Surgery. Our team will provide you with a customized plan using advanced tools to deliver visible, reliable results.

📍 Located in Beverly Hills | 📞 Call (310) 773-3039

Self-Harm Scar Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients tolerate the procedure well with numbing. Discomfort is minimal to moderate, depending on treatment depth.

Most patients need 2–4 sessions for optimal improvement, but this varies by scar type and skin response.

Laser energy remodels collagen and reduces pigment, while surgical methods revise or reposition visible scarring.

Yes. We offer multiple devices suited to all skin tones, including non-ablative lasers for Fitzpatrick IV–VI.

Cost depends on the treatment area, technology used, and number of sessions. You’ll receive a detailed quote during your consultation.