A scar is usually formed after any injury to the skin. They can be a result of inflammatory skin conditions like acne, a mark from a surgery, or a symptom of certain diseases and infections.
Whenever the dermis is damaged, your skin cells will quickly produce new collagen as a natural response to heal and repair the wound. This will result in the growth of new, thicker tissue that will cover the injured site.
The final size and texture of scars can vary depending on your skin tone and type, their location on the body, and the cause of the injury. Fresh scars can have a pinkish to reddish color on the skin, but they will gradually fade and appear lighter or darker as it matures.
In addition to being unsightly, some scars also may be itchy and painful. They may even make it difficult to move when the scar tissue appears near a joint or gets into the muscles.
Scars are a very common skin condition that almost all people will have at some point in their lives. They can develop anywhere on the body where the skin was injured or wounded. Some of the most common types of scars are:
These scars form after a minor wound or cut to the skin. They will initially appear as a raised scar and as the skin heals, it will flatten and leave a visible fine line or small mark. These scars can be itchy for the first few months but overall discomfort will disappear as it completely heals. Most fine line scars can appear lighter or darker than the surrounding skin of the injury.
Thick, rounded scars that form above the skin surface and appear larger than the wound are called keloid scars. They’re generally an overgrowth of scar tissue due to excess collagen produced at the injured area. This type of scar develops gradually and can appear within months after the skin damage.
Initially, a keloid scar feels itchy and tender but this will disappear once it has fully developed. They’re very distinct in appearance since they usually have a darker color than the skin surrounding the scar. Keloid scars can’t go away on their own so it’s important to see a dermatologist and get proper treatment.
At Dermatology & Skin Health, we offer world-class services done by award-winning doctors who have proven their knowledge and skills in this field. Start your journey towards achieving your best skin by contacting us today.
Like keloid scars, a hypertrophic scar forms when too much collagen is at the wounded site. However, these scars don’t expand and spread beyond the affected area. Hypertrophic scars appear raised on the skin surface but they can flatten and become less noticeable over time.
Also known as pitted or atrophic scars, these are marks that form just beneath the surface of the skin. It typically has a sunken look and appears like small indentations on the skin. A depressed scar gets more visible as you age as a result of the skin losing its firmness and elasticity. This type of facial scar usually forms after having acne or chickenpox.
A contracture scar is commonly a result of burns on the skin. This type of scar usually forms new tissue that’s tighter, thicker, and less flexible than your skin. As a result, burn scars can restrict your movement.
The treatment that you’ll receive will depend on the type of scar that you have. Additionally, your age, natural skin tone, and the period of how long you’ve had your scar can also affect the type of scar revision procedure that you will get.
At Dermatology and Skin Health, our board-certified dermatologists have the training and experience to diagnose your scar accurately and recommend the specific treatment that can help improve its appearance. Here are some of the minimally invasive scar revision treatment options that we offer:
Acne scars, hypertrophic scars, and fine line marks can be removed with the help of our CO2 RE Fractional CO2 Resurfacing System. This laser treatment can help penetrate the deeper layers of the skin to promote collagen growth and improve overall scar texture and restore healthy skin.
Another effective treatment for facial scars is dermal filler injections. Facial fillers like Restylane and Juvederm can be injected beneath the skin to improve a depressed acne scar. This treatment can also smooth out the surrounding wrinkles and folds to enhance your overall facial appearance. They can also support natural collagen production to improve the skin on the wounded area.
At Dermatology & Skin Health, our excellent dermatology services are guaranteed to be safe and effective, performed by the top doctors in their respective fields. Treat your skin problems by contacting us today.
For minor scarring caused by small cuts or wounds, a dermatologist can also suggest topical gels and ointments. One possible topical treatment is silicone ointment which can help reduce the size of the scar.
If your scarring is from reconstructive surgery, prescription creams can help heal the scar and prevent it from spreading. Corticosteroid creams are also helpful in minimizing the scar and controlling the itching. You may also use skin lightening creams to improve the color and appearance of your scars.
Another non-surgical option for scar revision is cryotherapy. This treatment can get rid of keloid scars and hypertrophic scars. It works by directly freezing the scar and destroying the tissue to improve its size and reduce the pain, hardness, and skin discoloration.
A scar revision surgery can be done for large scars that are obtained from serious injuries, accidents, or previous surgeries. Skin graft transplant is the most common surgical procedure for improving scars. This treatment involves getting skin from an unaffected part of the body and transplanting it over the injured site.
This treatment is commonly used for reducing the appearance of raised scars and keloid scars. They are placed directly into the scar tissue to decrease its size and smooth the skin on the wounded area. They can also help manage the symptoms of itching and pain. However, steroid injections may have some side effects like skin discoloration, which can be fixed by a specialist.
The results from a scar revision procedure can vary depending on the type of treatment that you received. For example, a dermal filler injection can instantly raise the pitted acne scars but its results are usually temporary and you’d need touch-up treatments every few months to maintain its effects.
If you received fractional laser treatment, you may need more than one session to completely remove your scarring. A dermatologist may recommend getting at least 3 treatment sessions to see optimal improvements in your facial scars.
Although scars are permanent, proper scar revision treatment can improve their appearance over time. Some scars may also return so it’s best to consult with a specialist to know the right practices for taking care of your skin after an injury and preventing scar formation.
At Dermatology & Skin Health, we offer world-class services done by award-winning doctors who have proven their knowledge and skills in this field. Start your journey towards achieving your best skin by contacting us today.
Get rid of the unsightly scars on your face and body with help from our team at Dermatology and Skin Health. We have different minimally invasive treatments that can reduce the appearance of your scars. Book your appointment online or contact us at (603) 742-5556 (Dover & Newington), (978) 525-0100 (Peabody), (603) 965-3551 (Londonderry), or (603) 742-5556 (Bedford).
If your desired appointment type or preferred provider is unavailable online, kindly call (978) 525-0100 for Peabody, MA and (603) 742-5556 for all New Hampshire locations. Alternatively please feel free to send us your request via the patient portal, or via email at info@dermskinhealth.com
*For medical dermatology appointments in MA please dial (978) 525-0100 or fill out the appointment request form above.
