How to Remove Body Scars
Scar tissue results from damage to skin or organs. In its attempt to repair itself, the body covers wounds in a thicker, more fibrous layer than normal skin. It is effective as a protective barrier, but is more pale and dense than regular skin with less blood flow. Because scar tissue is not the same as healthy skin, it can never entirely be removed. Several techniques, however, can reduce the visibility of scars to varying degrees.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Apply topical gels. The best time to treat a scar is when it first forms. The difference between scar tissue and the surrounding skin can be reduced significantly through the regular application of gels such as Mederma or enriched castor oil, high in Vitamin E. By keeping the surrounding skin supple and increasing blood flow to the scar tissue, the overall appearance of the scar is mediated.
-
2
Use home remedies. In place of store-bought gels, naturopaths recommend various mixtures to achieve the same end. A paste of sandalwood powder with rose water is said to be effective, as is lavender oil or aloe vera applied twice daily. You will find that your scars are reducing slowly. On fresh scars, the appearance is said to be improved by the use of lemon juice and olive oil in the morning and at night.
-
-
3
Massage surrounding skin. In addition to topical applications, scars can be reduced through manual lymph drainage. This involves gentle massage of the scar and surrounding skin in both circular and straight motions. Myofascial release, another massage technique, is performed by stretching the skin. Heat can also be applied.
-
4
Let dermabrasion rub you the right way. Once scars are well established, they can only be reduced by removing an entire layer of skin. This can be done with dermabrasion, which uses diamond-laced buffing wheels to rub away skin. Each time this is performed, the resulting new layer that grows in is more even and scars are less visible. Instead of friction, this same basic process can also be performed with chemicals or lasers.
-
5
Go under the knife. In extreme cases, surgeries can reduce the appearance of scars, though most surgeries themselves will result in some minor scaring. In subcision, inwardly dented scars are flattened out by severing the connection between the scar tissue and underlying layers of sinew. Other surgeries can pump collagen or fat under a scar to level it out, or graft skin from another part of the body to cover over a scar.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When using topical and massage techniques, it is essential to apply as frequently as possible to reduce scars.
Only time and surgery can completely remove a scar.
