Improving the Appearance of Scars (Including Acne Scars, Stretch Marks, Traumatic and Surgical Scars)
Scars are a point of frustration for many people. A scar can occur any time the structure of the skin is compromised. While it is essentially impossible to completely remove a scar (without creating another scar), there are treatments that can help to minimize their appearance.
The best treatment for scars is to limit them in the first place.
- Wound hygiene is important in reducing a scar. Wash your wounds with gentle soap and water. Do not use iodine, alcohol or peroxide on your wounds; this can lead to further tissue damage and an increase in scarring.
- You should never pick at acne or scabs. This can lead to more significant scarring then if the wound were left alone to heal.
- You should avoid sun exposure to new scars for at least 12 months. Tanning the injured area will lead to an increase in melanin in the wound and can result in a darker scar.
- Silicone sticks or sheets can help to minimize scarring; other topical treatments have not been proven effective.
- If you have a tendency toward keloid scars or hyperpigmentation, applying a steroid cream twice daily to the wound (once it has closed) can help to reduce these conditions.
Once a scar has formed, there are treatments that can help to improve its appearance.
- A scar revision can be performed if a scar is jagged or wide. In this minor procedure, the existing scar is cut out, with the goal of leaving a more aesthetically pleasing scar in its place.
- If the scar is raised (like a keloid), steroid injections can help to soften the scar.
- For acne scarring and surgical scars that are flat, procedures that remove the top layers of the skin can help to lessen the appearance of the scars. This can include dermabrasion, fractionated laser treatments and microneedling.
- If less downtime is desired, you can also improve scars with other superficial laser treatments, Fat Injections and/or PRP injections, which can stimulate collagen production and remodeling in the scar.
- Needle subcision can be performed if the scar is depressed. This procedure cuts the fibrous tissue that tethers the skin down. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers or Fat Injections can also be used to fill in a depressed scar.
Scars can be devastating to one’s self esteem and in improvement in the appearance of a scar can give a patient an amazing lift. If you would like more information about improving the appearance of your scars, we would be happy to see you in a complimentary consultation. You can call us at 402-509-8473 or Contact Us to schedule your appointment.
Jennifer Tighe de Soto, MD is a cosmetic surgeon who is board certified through the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. For more advice from Dr. de Soto on body sculpting and other aesthetic treatments please visit www.omahaliposuction.com where you can read her blog and see before and after photos of actual patients. If there’s a topic you would like to see us cover in a blog, please Contact Us.