Scars are marks left on the skin after it heals from injuries like cuts, burns or acne breakouts. There are different types of scars based on their appearance and the kind of injury that caused them. This article discusses the major types of scars and their available treatment options.
Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars
Hypertrophic and keloid scars are raised scars that extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound. Hypertrophic scars remain within the edges of the injury whereas keloid scars grow outside these borders. These scars are commonly caused by burns, scratches or acne.
- Creams and Gels: Topical scar treatments containing silicon, vitamin E or caffeine can help flatten and soften raised scars. Products from Mederma, ScarZone and Surge are popular options.
- Steroid Injections: Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and scar tissue growth when injected into thick scars. This treatment works best for new scars.
- Laser Therapy: Pulsed dye laser and fractional laser resurfacing use targeted light energy to reshape hypertrophic/keloid scars. Multiple sessions may be required to see results.
- Surgery: For large or stubborn keloid scars that do not respond to other treatments, surgical excision combined with corticosteroid injection provides effective scar revision.
Atrophic and Stretch Marks
Atrophic scars or stretch marks have a sunken or indented appearance. Atrophic scars form after acne or injury while stretch marks are caused by sudden growth or weight gain/loss.
- Topical Applications: Cream and oils containing vitamin A (Retinol), C, E along with shea butter, cocoa butter and jojoba can help remodel collagen and improve texture of atrophic scars and stretch marks over time.
- Laser Resurfacing: Fractional CO2 or ablative laser resurfacing stimulates collagen production in deeper skin layers to gradually fill out indented scars and marks.
- Microneedling: Dermaroller and professional microneedling treatments induce controlled micro-wounding to encourage collagen regrowth for stretch marks and depressed scars. Multiple sessions are required.
- Injectable Fillers: Hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite or collagen fillers can immediately improve the appearance of deep atrophic scars by augmenting sunken areas on the skin. Results last 6-12 months.
Treatment of Acne Scars
Acne scarring includes icepick, box car and rolling scars caused due to overproduction of sebum and inflammation from acne breakouts.
- Chemical Peels: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels exfoliate and stimulate collagen repair in mild to moderate scarring when used regularly as part of a skincare regime.
- Microneedling: As mentioned before, dermaroller, dermapen and professional microneedling induce micro-injuries to boost collagen synthesis for acne scarring revision. 5-6 monthly sessions may be required.
- Laser Resurfacing: CO2 laser, erbium laser and fractional resurfacing lasers remodel and tighten acne scars based on their depth and appearance. Multiple treatments at 6-8 weeks interval provide best results.
- Punch Excision: For deep and wide icepick scars, punch excision surgically removes scars which are then closed with small sutures. Healing results in finer, less noticeable scarring.
- Fillers: Bellafill, Radiesse, Sculptra and other dermal fillers help to even skin texture and conceal box car and rolling scars. Regular filler touch-ups may be needed for long-lasting correction.
Preventing Future Scarring
The best scar treatments are those which prevent scarring in the first place. Some precautions to take include:
- Properly cleanse and treat wounds with antibiotic ointment to ensure healing without infection risk.
- Apply hydrocolloid or silicone-based scar sheets on new wounds to minimize tension on healing skin for optimal cosmetic outcome.
- Use sunscreen daily and avoid direct sun exposure on healing or existing scars to prevent darkening and thickness over time.
- Control acne proactively with regular face washing, exfoliation and topical/oral medications prescribed by a dermatologist.
- Moisturize skin daily and massage scars with moisturizing scar creams to keep them supple and flexible as they mature.
- Avoid procedures like dermabrasion or laser resurfacing on newly healed scars until they have fully matured over 6-12 months.
In conclusion, various topical products, minimally-invasive procedures and surgical techniques presently allow for effective scar treatment and revision based on the type and severity of scarring. With regular dedicated scar care, majority of scars can be improved or erased for a smoother, brighter looking skin.
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