Scar Removal Treatment
While scars remain with the body permanently, a number of methods can reduce their appearance and visibility. Patients can have a scar resurfaced through dermabrasion or laser surgery. Depending on the location and size of the scar, doctors also may suggest topical treatments to remove the outlayer of the skin, injections to fill in sunken skin or scar surgery to remove excess tissue.
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Dermabrasion
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In dermabrasion, a dermatologist resurfaces the scarred skin texture by sanding it. The surgeon begins by freezing the skin and "mechanically removes" it, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) article "Dermabrasion Information." Through this process, dermabrasion helps improve the surface of the scarred skin, which becomes smoother and rejuvenates with a new layer. Initially used to repair acne scars, dermatologists use dermabrasion on various skin conditions such as scars, wrinkles and sun damaged skin
Laser Surgery
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Because scars differ in their causes and formation, patients may use other scar treatment methods. In laser surgery, "lasers work by producing an intense beam of bright light that travels in one direction. The laser beam can cut, seal or vaporize skin tissue and blood vessels," according to the ASDS article, "Laser Surgery Information." The small laser light can resurface the scarred area, allowing new skin growth in a similar manner as dermabrasion but without the sanding. Laser surgery benefits patients with a decreased chance of infection as well as a "bloodless surgery with most lasers," as ASDS notes.
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Topical Treatments
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Topical treatments used in scar revision include tapes, gels or compression. These types of topical scar treatments aid in healing or reducing "the ability of skin to produce irregular pigment," according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website article, "Scar Revision: What You Need to Know." Other topical treatments such as chemical peels, typically used on facial scarring, work in removing the outer layer of the skin. This peeling process helps to resurface the skin's texture.
Injections
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Depending on the appearance of the scar, a dermatologist may also suggest injections, which patients must continue to maintain the improved scar appearance. Injections, usually "steroidal-based compounds," may last a few weeks to several months, according to ASPS site. For scars that leave a sunken appearance, injections improve the area by filling it.
Scar Surgery
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For people with scars resulting from deep incisions or injuries and/or those that have formed keloids--"excess growth of scar tissue," according to Medline Plus--a doctor may suggest removing the scar tissue through surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons explains that some scars developing beneath the skin's surface layer may require several closures. Beginning with the tissue below the surface area, the surgeon will use nonremovable sutures and continue until the final layer is closed. This procedure aids in removing tissue that healed improperly due to infection or other causes and allows the healing process to start over.
Potential Side Effects
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Before deciding on any type of scar removal or revision process, patients should discuss the procedures with their doctor to learn about the potential side effects. The ASPS explains that some scar treatments such as surgery can cause bleeding, skin sensitivity, delayed healing, swelling and pain, among other side effects.
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References
- National Library of Medicine, "Scars"
- National Library of Medicine, "Keloids"
- American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, "Dermabrasion Information"
- American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, "Laser Surgery Information"
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons, "Scar Revision: What You Need to Know," link " What happens during scar revision surgery?"
