How To Treat Scars on the Legs
Scars on the legs are not any different than other body scars. They are the result of damage to the skin, and reflect the body's emergency repair of itself. Unfortunately, supple and healthy skin cannot be produced fast enough to cover wounds and prevent infection. The body, however, can quickly form a thick, fibrous protective barrier that is more dense than regular skin and has less blood flow. Scar tissue is not the same as healthy skin, and never will be. A few simple techniques, however, can reduce the visibility of scars to varying degrees, while others, can surgically remove or cover them completely.
Instructions
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Use a topical gel. If a scar is fresh, a topical gel, such as Mederma can vastly reduce visibility if applied regularly. Mederma is a popular OTC anti-scar gel that is grease-free and pleasant smelling. Older scars will also respond to Mederma, though not as well as new ones.
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Remove layers with dermabrasion. Entire layers of skin can be removed, and with them the appearance of a scar, with wire brushes and diamond-laced buffing wheels. Each time this procedure, known as dermabrasion, is performed, the result is a new surface layer in which the scar is less visible. Over several repetitions, a scar can be reduced to virtually nothing, if not removed entirely.
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Ask about chemical peels and laser surgery. Instead of friction, the same basic process as dermabrasion can be performed with chemicals or lasers. Chemical peels use acids of varying strength to remove outer layers of skin, leaving behind a healthier, younger-looking appearance. Obviously this can involve some discomfort and risk of infection, and should only be done in consultation with a medical professional. Laser surgery is less invasive, but is only effective on certain kinds of scars, and might not be effective in reducing the appearance of a scar on dark colored skin. Consult a doctor to see if laser resurfacing is right for you.
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Get traditional surgery. If a scar's appearance is largely due to its being dented inward, a surgical procedure called subcision can smooth it out by severing the connection between the scar and underlying layers of connective tissue. 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.
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Tips & Warnings
Some might prefer natural remedies in place of store-bought gels. Castor oil enriched with Vitamin E can be particularly effective, especially if applied with a sanitized cloth and heat. Other suggestions include a paste of sandalwood powder with rose water, lavender oil, aloe vera, or lemon juice in olive oil. The effectiveness of topical applications can be increased by also using massage of the surrounding skin to increase blood flow and facilitate lymph drainage.
