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Scars are a natural part of the skin’s healing process after an injury like a cut, burn or acne breakout. However, some scars can become raised or discolored and make people self-conscious about their appearance. Thankfully, there are a number of scar treatment options available that can help improve the look of scars and boost confidence.
Causes of Scarring
Before delving into scar treatment methods, it’s important to understand what causes scarring in the first place:
– Cuts and wounds: Any break in the skin from cuts, grazes or lacerations can potentially lead to scarring as it heals. The depth and location of the wound will determine the severity of scarring.
– Burns: Thermal, radiation, chemical and friction burns all damage skin tissue extensively and cause scarring as the skin regenerates. Burn scars tend to be some of the most raised and noticeable types.
– Acne: Repeated breakouts and inflammation from acne can leave behind pitted or raised scars on the face, back and shoulders over time. Acne scarring is very common.
– Surgeries: Any incision made during a medical procedure or surgery disrupts normal skin layers and collagen formation, which then manifest as scars. The size and depth of the incision impacts scarring.
– Inflammatory skin conditions: Conditions like keloid scarring, folliculitis and spider angiomas cause abnormal damage and growth in skin tissues that result in raised or discolored scars.
For most superficial scars, one or a combination of scar treatments can help improve appearance significantly with consistent application. For deeper or raised scars, a combination approach or consulting a dermatologist may be needed.
Topical Scar Treatments
There are a number of topical creams, gels and ointments that can help reduce discoloration and smoothness of scars when applied regularly.
– Silicone gels and sheets: Applying silicone-based products is one of the most effective scar treatments. Silicone works by allowing scar tissue to reform more normally beneath the gel layer. It also nourishes the scar to soften and flatten it out.
– Vitamin E oil: This antioxidant-rich oil is often combined with silicone or applied alone on scars. It helps improve skin elasticity and texture while lightening discoloration over weeks of use.
– Retinoids: Prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin help increase collagen and cell turnover in scars. They work best on newer scars when combined with moisturizing ointments.
– Shea butter: The fatty acids and vitamins in shea butter nourish scar tissue for smoother healing. It’s a good-tolerated natural treatment for scars.
– Aloe vera gel: With its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties, aloe vera gel promotes wound healing and fading of old scars.
These topicals work best when applied religiously morning and night to regularly nourish scar tissue as it matures. Consistency is key to achieving the desired results.
Laser and Light Treatments
Laser and light-based treatments are commonly used scar removal treatments, often as complementary options after several months of topical use.
– Pulsed dye laser (PDL): PDL laser effectively treats reddish or purple-toned scars by targeting hemoglobin in blood vessels. It requires multiple sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
– Fractional laser resurfacing: This laser creates microscopic treatment zones in the skin to stimulate new collagen growth and skin remodelling. It works on both color and texture of scars.
– Intense pulsed light (IPL): Much like PDL, IPL photo-rejuvenation lasers eliminate darker scar pigmentation through selective photothermolysis. It may require 6-10 treatments.
– LED light therapy: Low-level red and near-infrared LED lights boost scar collagen production when used before moisturizers. It enhances topical products for overall fading.
While lasers speed up results, topicals are still needed for ongoing scar maturation. Patience is important as laser treatments take months of repeated use to see complete scar clearing.
Surgical Scar Treatments
For more raised, keloid or contracted scars, additional techniques may provide the best outcomes:
– Corticosteroid injections: An dermatologist can inject corticosteroids like triamcinolone directly into firm scars to reduce inflammation and promote flattening.
– Scar revision surgery: A dermatologic surgeon performs an excision or revision of a thick, wide or contracted scar to reshape remaining scar tissue for a smoother appearance.
– Grafting/flap procedures: Deeper wounds may require skin grafts or flaps from unaffected areas to replace lost tissues and prevent severe scarring during primary healing.
– Subcision: Using a small needle, this office procedure breaks up scar adhesions beneath the surface skin to encourage remodeling of depressed scar areas.
While scarring is unavoidable after deep tissue damage, these surgical techniques aim to minimize scarring from the outset or reshape existing problematic scars.
A Scar Treatment Plan For You
By understanding your scar etiology and specific concerns, a dermatologist can create a customized scar management plan tailored to your skin type and needs. Consistency with recommended topical and light/laser therapies over 6-12 months is important for visible improvements. With some patience and commitment, unwanted scars need not be a permanent skin feature and can usually be improved significantly through proper treatment.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
