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Written By: Erin Storm, PA-C
Medshop
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The Skinny
We all have them (some more than others). Scars are a natural part of the healing process, and, unless you’ve managed to never injure yourself, chances are you have some experience with this. Every wound heals in its own way due to the cause, size, shape, location, your skin type, and the myriad of things that may affect the healing process. Some scars form and fade over time, while others stay noticeable and, in some cases, continue to worsen (learn more in our complete guide to Scar Concerns). Regardless of your type of scar, there are a plethora of treatments to lessen and even eliminate the appearance of scars.
The Specifics
Who needs treatment for scars?
Let’s review why scars form. When we injure ourselves the body stops the bleeding and then sends a ton of specialized cells to the area for infection fighting and healing. The puffiness of wounds and natural oozing is all part of the healing process.As the natural healing process occurs, the body organizes the extracellular matrix skin proteins (like collagen fibers) in a linear formation. This is not the way our skin originally forms-that is more of a woven pattern. It’s this difference in collagen fiber arrangement that makes scars different from the rest of your skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology has classified six different types of scars:
- Flat Scars: The pink/reddish, slightly raised lesions. They usually flatten and lighten over time.
- Raised Scars: aka hypertrophic scars. These are elevated above the surrounding skin initially, but typically flatten with time.
- Depressed Scars: aka atrophic scars. These scars sit below the surrounding skin and most often occur on the face (think acne scars).
- Keloid Scars: These scars are elevated and significantly bigger than the wound that caused them. They typically appear well after the initial injury and do not diminish without intervention.
- Contracture Scars: Most often caused by severe burns. They create tight, thick skin that is resistant to stretching, leading to a diminished range of motion of the affected area.
- Stretch Marks: Also known as striae, they are typically correlated to pregnancy and may form with any rapid changes in body size, such as those seen in puberty, weight loss, and bodybuilding.
What can you expect from scar treatment?
Scar treatments are designed to reduce the appearance and noticeability of the scar as much as possible. In some cases scars can be nearly entirely eliminated. Depending on your type of scar and skin type, treatments may be more or less effective. In most cases, for mild to moderate scars, treatments are minimally invasive. For more severe scars, more extensive procedures will be needed.When should you seek treatment for scars?
Again this is dependent on scar type. For typical scars, pursuing treatment is entirely dependent on the individual. Keep in mind there may be some minimal side effects following the procedure. In the case of keloid or contracture scars it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional to ensure there are no concerning underlying processes occurring.Why should you seek treatment for scars?
Seeking treatment for scars can be a significant emotional and physical choice. Let’s keep it simple, if your scar is bothering you to the point it’s impacting your day to day then it makes sense to consider a consultation with a professional to determine what treatment options are available for your unique scar.Cosmetic Procedures to Minimize Scars
These professional procedures can create significant and lasting results under the careful supervision of a medical provider.- Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Overview: Laser resurfacing uses heat from a laser, such as a pulsed dye laser, to remove excess skin while encouraging new growth. There are multiple types of lasers including Ablative Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing, Ablative Non-Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing, Non-Ablative Non-Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing, Non-Ablative Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing, and the Hybrid Fractional Laser Halo™.
- Cost: From: $1,000
- Recovery & Results: Some patients will see immediate results, while others may require a few treatments. Patients with dark skin pigments, active acne, or sagging skin are not recommended for this procedure.
- Microneedling
- Overview: A non-invasive cosmetic procedure that aims to increase collagen and elastin production through small punctures in the skin. These small holes will stimulate the body’s healing properties, allowing for the scar tissue to break down without damaging the outer layer of the skin. Microneedling options are available along with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Radiofrequency, and PRP plus stem cells (Trifecta Therapy).
- Cost: From: $100
- Recovery & Results: The area will become dry and flaky. Avoid irritants and sun exposure for two weeks.
- Dermabrasion
- Overview: Abrasive pressure is applied by a motorized dermabrader that removes the outer layer of skin. This ablative pressure will remove the scar tissue allowing for new skin to form underneath it. Combining dermabrasion with retinol treatments will give the skin a more noticeable glow and youthful appearance.
- Cost: From: $1,100
- Recovery & Results: Redness and swelling will typically occur after the treatment. Within a few days to a week the swelling should subside and the skin will scab over and fall off. Avoid excessive sun exposure and follow skin protection guidelines given by your doctor.
- Microdermabrasion
- Overview: This procedure exfoliates the dead skin using a Diamond Tip or Crystal handpiece. This procedure will help breakup scar tissue, and also smooth, brighten, and rejuvenate the area of the skin.
- Cost: From: $75
- Recovery & Results: Unlike dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is not a surgical procedure and does not remove or penetrate as many layers of the skin, and, therefore, has a minimal recovery time.
- Embrace Scar Therapy
- Overview: A type of pressure therapy that reduces skin tension and stress on a wound or surgical scar using pressure dressings to control collagen production.
- Cost: From: $50
- Recovery & Results: No recovery time is needed after the treatment. Most effective in freshly healed wounds. Patients with acne scars, burn scars, or scars older than six months are not recommended for this treatment.
- Carboxy Therapy
- Overview: A key treatment for helping treat stretch marks. This treatment uses infusions of carbon dioxide to treat scars by stimulating circulation, aiding in collagen production, and breaking down fat deposits.
- Cost: From: $75
- Recovery & Results: No recovery time is typically needed. Patients should be able to resume normal activities immediately.
- Dermal Fillers & Injectables
- Overview: Injections such as Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Belotero®. They plump the skin by increasing volume and filling depressions.
- Cost: From: $225
- Recovery & Results: Results are immediate and have minimal recovery. Results may last a few months to a year.
At-Home Treatments
A variety of options exist that can be purchased over the counter and effectively completed in the comfort of your own home. Vitamins E and C products, essential oils, home facials or chemical peels, and retinoid containing cosmetics can help to reduce scar appearance.The Takeaway
We all have different skin types, different experiences with healing, and different types of scars. Scar formation is unique to everyone, but fortunately the procedures to correct these concerns are easily tailored to your skin, scar, and expectations.
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