Injuries to the skin often leave scars. While surgical procedures, burns, scrapes and cuts may damage the skin and cause scarring, small puncture wounds may also leave a permanent mark. Although cosmetic piercings allow people to express their individuality and enhance ears, eyebrows, belly buttons and other areas of the body with jewelry, these holes in the skin often form scars. Even when you decide to quit wearing jewelry, the scar tissue may remain visible. Depending on the size and location of the scar, improving the appearance of the piercing may require patience and effort.
Step 1
Apply a scar reduction product that contains silicone gel. Look for nonprescription, over-the-counter gel sheeting in the bandage and first aid department of your local grocery or department store. Use scissors to cut the sheets to fit the area of your scar tissue. Apply the section of sheeting to clean, dry skin, following the package instructions. Remove and reapply as necessary. Allow sufficient time for results to appear. According to the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars may require two months of using silicone gel sheeting. This silicone treatment usually works best on recent scars rather than piercings you obtained years ago.
Step 2
Ask your dermatologist about corticosteroid treatments. The Victorian Cosmetic Institute advises that a series of injections may help flatten the scar tissue, causing it to appear less visible. Talk to your dermatologist about applying a corticosteroid cream in conjunction with the injections to achieve the maximum effect. Return to the clinic every two to three weeks for additional corticosteroid injections for as long as your doctor recommends.
Step 3
Schedule an appointment with a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic fillers. Discuss what type of injection may help fill the indented tissue left by your piercing. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, certain substances may help to fill in and elevate the indented areas within soft scars. Expect to see immediate results. Discuss the advisability of using hyaluronic acid instead of bovine or human collagen for the filler material. This substance may provide longer-lasting results.
Step 4
Reduce the appearance of a stubborn scar with laser resurfacing. Have your specialist treat the pierced area with a carbon dioxide laser or a pulsed dye laser. The American Academy of Dermatology advises that these types of laser surgery may help improve scar indentation as well as treat keloid scars. Expect to experience some pinkness around the treated piercing for several weeks or months following this procedure.
Things You'll Need
- Silicone gel sheeting
- Scissors
- Corticosteroid injections
- Corticosteroid cream
- Cosmetic fillers
- Laser resurfacing
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