Acne, burns, and accidents can cause facial trauma that may leave behind scars that are embarrassing or disfiguring. There are a few things that may improve the appearance of scars, such as using over-the-counter scar-treatment products, moisturizing the area with cocoa butter or another emollient, and disguising them with special cosmetics.
However, if these measures aren’t satisfactory and the scar tissue remains a permanent mark, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh at Carolina Facial Plastics can utilize a wide variety of effective techniques to minimize, fade, and improve scars.
Why Do Scars Form?
A scar is the visible end-result of a complex healing process. Whenever the deep layer of skin (the dermis) is injured by a disease or condition, such as acne, an accident, such as a burn or wound, or surgery, the body’s immune system sends white blood cells to attack and destroy any invading bacteria. The body also begins creating more collagen at the wound site to reconnect the damaged tissues.
As the wound heals, a scab forms to protect it from bacteria and further damage. Once the scab falls off, the skin underneath is usually thicker than the surrounding skin, owing to the increased influx of collagen. The skin may be darker, lighter, raised or depressed as a result.
Scars can also be formed when the skin is stretched, such as during a weight gain or pregnancy.
Different Types of Scars
Depending on the kind of initial injury, different types of scars may form as the trauma heals. Scars can be either depressed or raised.
Depressed scars are usually a result of acne, injury, or surgery. These include:
- Ice pick scars — narrow and deep
- Boxcar scars — wide and shallow
- Rolling scars — shallow and rounded
Raised scars may be caused by acne, injury, skin stretching, and surgery. These include:
- Hypertrophic scars — raised, reddish, and may be painful
- Keloid scars — raised scars that spread beyond the boundaries of the original injury. Keloids may continue to grow over time.
Treating Scar Tissue
If it is difficult to resolve or improve scars with over-the-counter remedies, a facial plastic surgeon can evaluate the scars and create a custom treatment plan to fade them. Deep scars or complex scars, such as hypertrophic scars or keloids, may require surgery as well as other treatments to fade them sufficiently. More superficial scars may respond well to topical therapy or minimally invasive treatments.
Some of the most effective treatments that Dr. Kulbersh may use to improve the appearance of scars include:
Bleaching Creams
Hydroquinone and other agents can lighten deeply pigmented scars. These generally have no side effects and can be applied at home.
Chemical Peels
By removing the skin’s top layer, chemical peels trigger the body’s healing response, which can even out the appearance of depressed scars or discolored tissue. Light peels have no downtime, while stronger peels may take a few days to two weeks to heal. Several treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
Lasers
Lasers not only remove the top layer of the skin, smoothing out the appearance of depressed scars, they also stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin deep within the tissue, which strengthens the skin overall. Lasers also help to resolve hyperpigmentation and smooth out the raised borders around scars, making them less visible.
Dermabrasion
This mechanical process abrades the skin, removing the top layer so that the surface is even. As the skin heals, it becomes more uniform in texture and color. Dermabrasion is a medical procedure for scars, as contrasted with microdermabrasion, which is a superficial treatment for skin texture alone. Learn more about dermabrasion treatments at WebMD.com.
Dermal Fillers
Injecting dermal fillers underneath depressed scars can raise them to the level of the rest of the skin, minimizing their appearance. The improvement is immediate, but most fillers will only last about 3 to 6 months. Fillers can be combined with scar revision surgery to help promote the growth of new, healing collagen.
Microneedling
Tiny needles are used to break up the tough bands of collagen and create micro-wounds that promote more uniform healing.
Surgical Scar Removal
In the case of hypertrophic or keloid scars, the scar tissue may be cut away and the new edges rejoined to form a smaller, less visible scar. Surgery can also be used on depressed scars, such as ice pick or boxcar scars, to release the collagen bands and stimulate a more uniform healing.
The Right Approach for Scar Revision
Most scars take a combination of treatments in order to fade them sufficiently. In many cases, scars can never be completely removed but their appearance can be dramatically improved with the right therapies.
Jonathan Kulbersh, MD, a facial plastic surgeon at Carolina Facial Plastic Surgery in Charlotte, NC, specializes in all aspects of facial aesthetics, including scar revision and scar treatment. During a consultation, Dr. Kulbersh will evaluate the scar tissue and determine the best treatments to minimize it efficiently. Contact Carolina Facial Plastics today to receive expert scar treatment.
Next, read Why You Should Choose a Facial Plastic Surgeon Over a Plastic Surgeon for Your Facial Procedure
The post Not Scarred for Life: How Scar Treatment Can Make Your Skin Glow Again appeared first on Carolina Facial Plastics.
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