Scar Treatment Options Your Dermatologist Might Offer

Scars are common skin conditions that occur for many reasons. You might have an acne scar or a scar left after having chickenpox as a child. You might have more severe scars caused by a burn or other trauma. Some scars cause complications if they stretch the skin, and others are just a cosmetic issue. If you have a scar that bothers you because of the way it feels or looks, then you should talk to a dermatologist about your options. Here are some treatments that could possibly help:

Corticosteroid Creams And Injections

Steroid injections might be a choice for a scar on the face that is difficult to treat with other methods such as pressure bandages. The medication is injected directly into the scar tissue to cause it to thin and flatten so it is less noticeable. Creams are an option to consider as well. Scars form differently, so not all scars respond to all treatments. Some scars are pink or red areas while others form hard lumps of tissue. Some scars even form pits in the skin. Your dermatologist considers the type of scar tissue you have when determining if steroid medications will help.

Dermal Fillers And Skin Rejuvenation

Acne scars often leave pits or indentations in the skin. These can sometimes be treated with dermal fillers that plump up the pit so the scar is less visible. Another option for filling in scars is with platelet rich plasma or PRP. To use this, the dermatologist uses a tool to break up the scar tissue and then applies the PRP solution to the scar to promote the growth of new skin tissue. The PRP solution is extracted from your own donor blood, which is why this technique is dubbed a vampire facial. It can be used in combination with other forms of scar treatment such as laser therapy.

Laser Scar Treatments

Lasers have proven to be very effective at treating a variety of scar types. Different lasers are used for different healing purposes. For instance, pulsed dye lasers help reduce the red or pink discoloration of a scar so the scar is less visible. Other lasers can be used to change the thickness and shape of scar tissue. One approach is to break up the tissue by using a laser to drill tiny holes into the scar. Healthy skin fills the holes and helps hide the scar. The lasers can be controlled by computer software to give you an individualized, precise treatment since each scar is different and must be treated in a customized way. It usually takes several treatments with lasers to get the best results, with an improvement in the appearance of the scar after each treatment.

It may not be possible to entirely remove a scar, but with the right treatment, your dermatologist can make it much less visible so its appearance won't bother you as much. Treatment also helps scars that are uncomfortable because they make your skin feel tight. With all the scar treatment options available, there's a good chance your dermatologist will find a solution for your scar that gives you the results you want.

Contact a company like Refined Dermatology for more information and assistance. 

About Me

Meeting With The Dermatologist

One day when I was getting ready for work, I realized that my skin was less-than-pristine. In addition to toting a few patches of adult acne, I also realized that my skin looked dull and unhealthy. Instead of living with the problem, I decided that it would be smart to meet with a dermatologist. However, I was a little nervous about my first visit. After I made an appointment, I decided to talk with a friend about what to expect. On the day of my appointment, the doctor was super nice and took the time to explain everything to me. I want to spread the word about the realities of the dermatology office, which is why I made this blog.

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