Cosmetic Scar Treatments

Scarring is part of your body’s own natural healing process after experiencing trauma to the skin, whether due to acne scars, an injury, an open wound, or a prior surgery that healed badly. Scars are distinct marks and discolorations that are left behind when the wound has completely dried up and healed.

While most scars would eventually fade and disappear on their own, there are some that remain visibly prominent. Although having a scar is harmless, it can have some negative implications on a person’s emotional health. When people stare at their scar, they can become self-conscious and embarrassed. It can dampen their self-esteem.

Fortunately, there are now several scar treatments to choose from.

Types of Scars

When determining a scar treatment, your doctor will consider the severity of scarring, which usually depends on a lot of factors. For instance, the size and depth of the wound, age, and skin colour. In addition, the type of scar you have is also key in considering which scar treatments would be perfect for you.

• Normal fine line scars – A red, raised line scarring caused by minor cuts
• Keloid scars – An overgrowth of tissue that forms due to excessive collagen. This type of scar keeps growing even after the wound has healed.
• Contracture scars – This type of scars are caused by burn injuries. The skin thickens and becomes elevated once the skin has healed and tightened, which causes restricted movement.
• Hypertrophic scars – Like keloid scars, hypertrophic scars are also a result of too much production of collagen. Red and raised in the beginning and then fade and flatten out eventually after a few years.

OTC Scar Treatment Creams

For minor cases of scarring, your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter scar treatment creams, gels, and ointments. Some of these topical scar treatments may contain steroid and antihistamine components.

Soft Tissue Fillers

Soft tissue fillers also referred to as dermal fillers or collagen injectables can make a difference in depressed scars that rise above the skin, for instance, keloids or hypertrophic scars. These are commercially known as Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and Sculptra. As a scar treatment option, they can fill the crevices created by pitted scars, such as those produced by skin acne, elevating the area and plumping up the skin.

Laser treatments

Despite its ability to make scars less visible, the American Academy of Dermatology Association states that lasers cannot get rid of scars completely. It can, however, prevent a raised scar from developing after surgery, reduce the pain and itching, and improve the range of motion and sensation in the area.

There is a wide range of scar removal laser applicable for scar treatment, including:

• Nonablative fractional laser
• Ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser
• Pulsed dye laser
• Intense pulsed light
• Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser
• Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

When done in combination with other approaches, lasers can produce amazing results for scar treatment, especially when performed by an experienced dermatologist or medical professional. Laser resurfacing is best for superficial scars that do not grow bigger or thicker over time. Results may vary depending on a patient’s skin type, scar characteristics, age, and overall health. Direct sun exposure is prohibited before and after laser treatment to prevent further skin burn and discoloration.

Clinical Peels

Clinical peels, also known as chemical peels, are an inexpensive skin resurfacing option. Basically, it causes a stronger exfoliation of the topmost layer of the skin to encourage peeling and to reveal a new layer that is lighter and smoother. For scar treatment, chemical peels for acne scars and other mild scarring issues. Patients with fair skin and light hair colour are the ideal candidates for chemical peels.

Dermabrasion

Otherwise known as dermaplaning, dermabrasion can produce dramatic and longlasting results as scar treatments. It involves surgically scraping the outermost layer of the skin for a flawless complexion. It is recommended for acne scars, pockmarks, and scars from accidents or disease. However, it is not suggested for scarring caused by burn injuries.

Fat Transfer

Technically referred to as microlipoinjection or autologous fat transplantation, a fat transfer procedure as scar treatments use body fat sucked out from a different part of the patient’s body and then injected into the depressed scar area using a blunt needle and syringe to elevate it. The body fat typically comes from around the navel, thighs, or buttocks. This surgical scar treatment method is can work wonders for fixing deep, contoured scarring due to nodulocystic acne. Because the fat is quickly reabsorbed, it is necessary to do the procedure after a few months. This, however, ensures that there is minimal risk involved.

Scar Treatments at McLean Clinic

Do you need help figuring out the best scar treatments for your case? Our knowledgable staff and medical experts would be more than happy to give you a rundown of our latest cosmetic treatments and surgical procedures.

Book a free consultation now!