Scars are considered a part of the natural healing process. Often they cause patients embarrassment and shame. Some scars do not heal properly leaving a raised, indented or thickened mark on the skin. There are treatments for these scars that a dermatologist will recommend. Some of these treatments are topical treatments cortisone injections, medications, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and fat transfer therapy.
When scars are mild or severe a qualified dermatologist will help you decide the best treatment for your situation. They can recommend scar products or treatments that will help you remove the scars and look your best again.
Gels and Skin Treatments
Biocoreum is a patented gel used by many dermatologists for scars. It is a gel that dries leaving a silicone sheet over the scarred area. The area is protected by being waterproof and the substance allows the skin to breathe. It is used for management of raised scars and keloids. These scars are often caused by cosmetic and surgical procedures, wounds, and burns.
It is found effective on new and old scars. This formula approved by the FDA smoothes out scars and softens their appearance. It is found that the use of the products over several months reduces the effect of abnormal scar tissue. Chemical peels are substances applied to the skin or face that removes the top layer of skin and improves deeper scars. It is often combined with other acne treatments to be effective.
Soft tissue fillers or injecting collagen into the skin is often an effective treatment for indented scars. It stretches out the skin and makes the scars less noticeable. It does not last long so periodic treatments with the dermatologist will be needed. Botox injections are another way to treat acne scars.
Types of Scar Surgery
Dermabrasion is a treatment that is used for severe scarring. It is the process of using a rapidly rotating wire brushes to remove skin from the scarred area. An anesthetic is given to numb the skin before doing the procedure. It is a form of surgery. Ice packs are often applied to the skin for at least 30 minutes or a spray used for deeper abrasions. The face may be sprayed one section at a time. The face is covered with ointment and sterile gauze after it is done. It is an outpatient treatment done at the doctor’s office.
Laser scar treatments are an excellent way to treat scars. It is used for acne scars and those caused by surgery. It uses a high light energy that reshapes the scar or area of skin where it is located. There are several different types of laser scar removal treatments designed for different type of scars. Raised and scars that are red are often treated by pulsed dye laser and acne scars by laser resurfacing.
Fat transfer is a technique of removing fat from one part of the body to graft it onto another area. It is used for scarring on almost any part of the body. It is used to smooth out the damaged or scarred areas of the skin. It can be used to treat the hands, hips, triceps, and calves. It fills in the surrounding area of the scar tissue and smooths it out.
The fat tissue is often injected into the area being treated. It causes no allergic reactions because the fat comes from your own body. Fat is removed by numbing the area and using a syringe. It is often taken from thighs, buttocks or lower abdomen. The fat is purified and is injected into area of scarring until the desired results are achieved. It usually takes about four treatments or more to work.
These are some of the treatments that dermatologist use to treat scars.Dermatology will find the best scar products or treatments for the type of scars that you have. When scars do not heal naturally it is time to contact a dermatologist to learn about available treatments.