What to Know About Scar Removal

Scars tell our story. They speak of experiences we’ve had, fights we’ve won, and the gritty stuff that makes us human. Perhaps you love your scars and their stories, as you should! But if your scar is painful, hampers movement, or causes emotional distress, it may be time to consider treating it.

Every scar on your skin is unique. A crazy diving accident may have left you with an awesome scar story, but it also changed your skin in a very different way than a stove burn does.

What is a Scar?

First, let’s talk about what actually happens to your skin when it scars. Every scratch and cut doesn’t form a scar. That’s because scarring only occurs when the dermis, a deeper layer of skin, is exposed. As collagen fibers form to mend the tear, the new skin is a different texture and shade than the original.

There are a variety of scars including:

• Acne scarring - these can leave skin looking pitted or dimpled.
• Fine line scars - scarring that occurs after surgery or cuts, these only leave a thin white line and tend to disappear over time.
• Stretch marks - these markings are under the skin and come from the skin stretching, like during puberty or pregnancy.
• Scar contractures - usually red, these scars come from burns.
• Hypertrophic/keloid scars - especially in young and darker-skinned people, these scars are caused by an overproduction of collagen. They are raised, bumpy and can be red or itchy.

The type of scar determines what forms of treatment you should try and how effective that treatment will be. It is important to involve a dermatologist in your efforts to treat scars.

Why You Should Talk to a Dermatologist

Since every scar is different, is it important that your dermatologist examine your scar before it is treated. Sometimes skin cancer can hide in a scar or even look like the scar itself. If you ever notice a sudden scar that wasn’t there before, immediately talk to your dermatologist.

Dermatologists will be able to recommend safe and effective ways to treat your scar. Different types of scars require different types of treatment. Your dermatologist will be able to tell you:

• The type of scar
• If it will fade over time
• When to treat it for optimum results
• What treatment will be most effective

The age of the person and their scar also affects the treatment. Give your dermatologist as much information as you can about your scar during your appointment.

Natural Remedies

Many of the natural remedies that work for scarring can be used during the healing process. How your wounds, surgeries, and acne heal determines the extent of scarring that remains. Though you can still try these remedies on an existing scar, they may not completely heal the skin. Always talk to your dermatologist about any remedies you are trying at home.

• Oils. Natural oils moisturize and repair skin tissue. Rosehip oil, coconut oil, vitamin E and C oils, and various essential oils like lavender, tea tree, or frankincense have proven to be helpful on scar tissue.
• Aloe Vera Gel. Studies have shown that aloe vera improves the appearance of scar tissue and decreases scar tissue size.
• Shea Butter. This natural remedy is most effective with stretch marks and widespread scarring
• Onion Extract. Surprisingly, onion extract has been shown to further heal and lessen the appearance of surgical scarring.
• Scar Massages. After your wound has fully healed and the scab is gone, you might try massaging the scar tissue. Rub in small circles with an increase of pressure as tolerated 2-3 times a day. Always stop and talk to your doctor if you notice pain, redness, or bleeding around surgical scarring.

Remember to involve a medical professional in any natural remedies you are trying in a surgical area.

Remedies Available from Your Dermatologist

Another reason to involve your dermatologist in your scar therapy is that they have a wide variety of effective options at their disposal. At your appointment, ask your dermatologist to discuss any scar-removal options they would recommend. Some of these treatments are only available from a board-certified physician.

• Silicone gel/sheets/ointment or polyurethane dressing. These sheets and pads are worn on the scar site continually for a certain amount of time.
• Lasers/light treatment. A safe treatment option with few side-effects, this treatment is showing impressive results and becoming more popular.
• Corticosteroid/5-FU/Bleomycin injections. Injected directly into the scar, these treatments ease symptoms of pain and itching, while often reducing the size of a scar.
• Cryosurgery. This treatment freezes the scar, destroying the scar tissue.
• Scar surgery. Used only when all over methods fail, a board-certified dermatologist can cut the scar out.
• Radiation. This is a very extreme treatment as there is concern that it may cause cancer. Make sure you talk with health professionals before deciding if you need radiation.

Whenever you are dealing with a skin issue, involve your dermatologist. Scar removal doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive and they will help you determine your options. Your scars do not need to be a source of discomfort. Contact our office today to set up an appointment. Whatever your scar experience, our team is here for you and we are always ready to answer your questions.