Scars result from the wound-healing process. As the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains, more youthful skin tends to heal aggressively, yielding larger, more pronounced scarring. As a result, older scars often are a greater cosmetic concern than newer ones. The appropriate method for getting rid of old scars on your legs depends on the type, location and size of the scars, as well as factors related to your health and personal preferences.
Step 1
Scars cannot be completely eliminated, as the AAD and New York Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH) point out. However, with the proper techniques for the scars on your legs, the markings can be significantly minimized, improving the appearance of your skin.
Step 2
Consult your dermatologist or plastic surgeon about what method of scar revision is right for you. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons advises discussing certain topics at the initial meeting. These include explaining why you're seeking treatment and what your expectations are concerning the outcome of the treatment. You'll also need to discuss your general health and medical history, any allergies to medications and what drugs or supplements you take. Your doctor will recommend a course of treatment and explain the expected results.
Step 3
Consider non-procedural options for getting rid of the scars on your legs if possible--they carry the least risk of complications and difficult recovery. However, most require consistent, long-term application of treatment. One non-procedural method is pressure therapy, which uses tape or a pressure device to minimize scars. You typically use these most of the day and night for four to six months, according to NYPH. Silicone-based gels or creams are another option listed by the AAD, which says they must be used regularly and that results vary.
Step 4
Discuss injection treatments with your doctor. The AAD credits corticosteroid and interferon injections as being effective in softening and shrinking hard scars.
Step 5
Talk to your dermatologist or surgeon about surgical revision. Sometimes the best method is to cut out a scar and reattach the surrounding skin. For larger scars, a skin graft can be performed, too. This method results in a new scar, but it will be less prominent than the old one. Other times, according to the AAD, scars can be repositioned to be less noticeable.
Step 6
Explore other cosmetic procedures for getting rid of the scars on your legs. Dermabrasion uses a rotating blade to sand off layers of skin. Similarly, chemical peels strip layers of skin with a chemical agent. Cryosurgery freezes scar tissue, causing it to fall off. Laser skin resurfacing uses laser beams to destroy scar tissue and permit remodeling of tissue. There are a variety of laser types (such as carbon dioxide and pulsed-dye lasers), and your doctor can advise you on which would be most effective for your scars. Laser therapy generally requires at least a few treatment sessions.
Member Comments