Scars form following a trauma to the skin from an injury, a surgical procedure or a disease. Scars are part of the natural healing process, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The longer a wound takes to heal, the greater the chances are that a noticeable red scar will develop. There are a number of steps you can take to get rid of unsightly scars.
Step 1
Cover up light red scars with makeup while it’s healing. Use cover-up or foundation that is close to the color of your neck. Apply it with a sponge or your fingers and spread the makeup evenly over the scar, blending it into the nearby skin.
Step 2
Apply pressure bandages over the scar for several months to reduce the bulging caused by the scar. The redness will fade with time, while the pressure relieves the pain and appearance of the scar area.
Step 3
See a dermatologist or plastic surgeon about having a surgery that can move the scar into a place where it’s hidden, such as in a fold of your skin or your hairline. Scar revision surgery can remove large scars and leave a less visible shape. Surgery is most appropriate for wide or long scars.
Step 4
Consider dermabrasion, a procedure that utilizes electrical impulses to remove the top layer of skin, allowing fresh new skin to regrow in its place. Dermabrasion is most effective on light red scars often associated with acne or following surgery. Deeper scars may require several sessions before the scar become less noticeable.
Step 5
Get rid of scars with laser resurfacing, another cosmetic procedure that uses strong light pulses to remove the top layer of skin as well as the scar. New smoother skin then appears.
Step 6
Use a filler substance to plump out shallow, red, pitted scars. According to DERMAdoctor, products on the market to fill in scars have improved over the years and can be effective treatments. Try products such as Hylaform, Cymetra or Restylane. You also can have your own fat injected into pitted red scars as a more natural filler.
Tips and Warnings
- Be patient. Doctors at the American Academy of Dermatology report that many scars fade in time and can take up to 18 months or longer to disappear. Consider waiting before taking drastic measures such as surgery to remove your scars. The Nemours Foundation recommends that you don’t pop pimples to avoid creating unsightly red scars.
- There are side effects from dermabrasion and laser resurfacing that can include infection and burns. Make sure to see an experienced professional. While you may return to normal activities within a few days of the procedure, you will have to wear sunscreen to avoid burning the fresh new skin.
Things You'll Need
- Makeup
- Pressure bandages
- Cosmetic procedure
- Fillers
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