Scar Removal Methods and Treatments

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Severe scars, such as those left from burns, often require surgery. More superficial scars can be minimized or removed with less-invasive treatments. Scar removal is somewhat like laying out a new road surface: maybe you can still drive on the old road, but the new surface makes it smoother and more attractive. New technology in laser surgery promises to give you a better ride than ever before.

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A scar occurs as part of the healing process of a wound. After a wound becomes inflamed, new tissue forms. Collagen is a protein found in connective tissue that supports the skin and bone structure; when too much of it is left in a wound, a scar forms. Severe scars, such as those left from burns, often require surgery. More superficial scars can be minimized or removed with less-invasive treatments.

There are three main types of scars:

• Atrophic, or skin depressions such as acne scars
• Hypertrophic, or elevated scars found usually on the margin of the wound
• Keloid, or elevated scars that extend beyond the wound site

Treatments for Scars

• Microdermabrasion involves the use of particles to rub away the top layer of damaged skin. Crystals are driven across the outer skin at high velocity by air pressure, essentially buffing the skin and removing a very thin segment of the out-most layer. This "dead" skin is removed because exposure to the elements has caused it to lose its lustrous appearance. This procedure can be done quickly and is minimally invasive, and is appropriate for acne-prone people or those who simply want to tone up their skin appearance.
• Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical that removes the epidermis, or top layer of the skin. Doing this stimulates the production of new collagen and causes the skin to regenerate itself, often improving its appearance.
• Laser skin resurfacing involves the use of a laser to destroy flawed skin cells. New skin cells will grow to replace these.
• Filler injections involve injecting filler material under the skin, using a tiny needle. This procedure generally involves multiple treatments.

Laser Removal Procedure

For atrophic scars, the laser is moved along the scar during the removal procedure. This vaporizes, or removes, the top layer of skin. The more natural-looking skin lying underneath will heal over time and minimize the scar appearance. Fraxel treatment for scars works especially well for thin atrophic scars. Older, bigger, or deeper scars usually require more treatments.

Attribution/Source(s):

This quality-reviewed article relating to our Skin Conditions section was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its likely interest to our disability community readers. Though the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or length, the article "Scar Removal Methods and Treatments" was originally written by Sara Goldstein, and published by Disabled-World.com on 2010-06-13 (Updated: 2021-08-12). Should you require further information or clarification, Sara Goldstein can be contacted at Contact Details. Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith.

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Cite This Page (APA): Sara Goldstein. (2010, June 13). Scar Removal Methods and Treatments. Disabled World. Retrieved September 21, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/health/dermatology/skin/remove-scar.php

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