When wounded skin heals, collagen is produced by cells called fibroplasts to fill and seal the opening, explains Columbia University's Go Ask Alice column. Most scars are comprised primarily of this collagen. It isn't possible to completely remove a wound scar, notes Columbia, but there are topical treatments and surgical and cosmetic procedures that make them less prominent, shrinking or flattening them and tempering discoloration. Individual characteristics of a scar, its location, and a variety of factors concerning a patient's health and medical history are all taken into account by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon in determining the best course of scar removal.
Step 1
Apply a topical scar treatment. Silicone-based treatments are available as gels or as sheets that are adhered to the scar with medical tape, and Columbia notes that these options may be effective at reducing and lightening scars. The exact mechanism by which silicone treatments work is not understood.
Gels made with onion extract are another possibility, acting as an anti-inflammatory agent and stifling collagen production. Treatment with onion extract products typically require at least several months of consistent use, explains Columbia. Exfoliant alpha hydroxy acids may also work for your scars, but consult with a doctor about the appropriate strength formula.
Different topical scar treatment products have varying instructions for proper use, and all have risks of side effects . Always be sure to follow package directions and heed package warnings.
Step 2
Ask your dermatologist if pressure therapy might work for your scar. Often done with bandages, massage or a pressure device, pressure therapy can sometimes help reduce a scar. These methods need to be applied continuously for at least several months, making them inconvenient, but less risky and less expensive than cosmetic or surgical procedures.
Step 3
Talk to your dermatologist about whether injections are a practical course of treatment to remove your scars. Cortisone injections are best suited for hard keloid scars, softening and shrinking them, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. These injections are often coupled with cosmetic or surgical procedures, as well. Interferon injections are another possibility, useful for softening scars and making them less prominent.
Step 4
Consult with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon about the possibility of using a cosmetic procedure to remove your scar. Dermabrasion, chemical peels and laser therapy remove layers of scar tissue with an abrasive machine, an acid application or a laser beam, respectively, explains the New York Presbyterian Hospital. Cryotherapy is another option, freezing off scar tissue.
Step 5
Ask your dermatologist or plastic surgeon about whether surgical treatment is right for removing your scars. There are a variety of procedures used, but the general principle is that scar tissue is cut away, with steps taken to ensure a more minor scar grows back in its place.
Surgical scar revision, used mostly for long or wide, highly-visible scars, entails cutting out the entire scar and stitching the skin back together, says New York Presbyterian. Punch grafts are a common surgical procedure for deep scars. The surgeon punches a hole to remove the scar, and then uses a skin graft to fill the hole. Punch excisions are similar to punch grafts, but the surgical wound is stitched closed, points out AAD.
Things You'll Need
- Silicone gel or sheets
- Medical tape
- Onion extract gel
- Alpha hydroxy acid gel
- Pressure device
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