Scars are a natural part of healing from a wound. However, they can have a significant negative impact on a person’s self-confidence. If a scar is damaging your emotional well-being, then don’t worry. You have various options, from silicone sheets to laser scar removal, to make them less noticeable.
Scar Revision Surgery
Because surgery is an invasive treatment option, you should consider this for large, raised scars like hypertrophic and keloid scars that cannot be addressed by less invasive procedures.
Scar revision surgery involves approaches to improve the appearance of scars. Your surgeon may reposition it or use skin grafting to replace large areas of damaged tissue.
Chemical Exfoliators
Exfoliating removes outer layers of dead skin, slightly flattening scars. There are several kinds of exfoliants to choose from, including creams, masks and serums. These help treat acne scars and other less visible imperfections.
These ingredients can improve your scars’ appearance:
- Trichloracetic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Lactic acid
- Alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids
You can use over-the-counter products, but they likely won’t be as effective as something prescribed by a dermatologist.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive treatment option for scarring. Procedures differ between clinics. It typically involves cleaning the skin, spraying tiny crystals on it, then using a vacuum to remove the crystals along with skin cell debris.
Microdermabrasion buffs away at your outermost skin and is a good option for minor acne scarring and wrinkles. More severe cases may require more aggressive therapies.
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are applied directly onto scar tissue. This reduces swelling, flattens the scar and decreases itching, redness and burning sensations.
The injections are administered multiple times over a few months. They’re usually used on thick, raised scars, as using them on flat ones may leave a permanent indentation.
Silicone Gels or Sheets
Silicone gels and sheets are soft and flexible adhesive sheets directly applied to the skin. You can use these products to help fade scars. They hydrate skin, regulate fibroblast production, reduce collagen production and protect scars from bacteria.
Silicone sheets are reusable. Wash them with soap and water, and you can use them for two or more weeks. They are highly effective when used daily, and you don’t need a prescription to get them.
Dermal Fillers
Severe cases of acne and chickenpox often leave behind scars that take the form of depressions in the skin. These are called indented or atrophic scars. Deep atrophic scars can be treated with dermal fillers. These are gel-like substances injected into your skin to give it volume and make it smoother.
There are temporary and permanent dermal fillers, but most professionals avoid using the permanent types. This is because they become a massive aesthetic issue if placed improperly. Temporary fillers usually last up to 18 months.
Laser Therapy
With a laser scar removal machine, professionals can precisely remove outer layers of skin and stimulate the production of new skin cells. This results in less size, shape and colour irregularities. This therapy can also reduce redness, pain and itchiness.
Treat Scars with Alma Lasers
Remove your scars and restore your confidence with a laser scar removal machine treatment from an Alma Lasers-certified provider. The Alma Hybrid uses revolutionary technology to provide you with superior results.
Find a certified provider near you and schedule an appointment.
