Scars are permanent. Even with treatment, evidence of scarring can never be fully erased, according to the University of Chicago Medical Center. However, you're not doomed to live with scars forever. With proper scar fading treatment, you can make the scar so faint that it is almost impossible to see.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid treatment, one type of chemical peel, is useful for removing shallow facial scars according to Dr. Eugene Nowak of San Diego State University. During a glycolic acid treatment, the acid burns away scarred skin for two minutes, then the acid is neutralized. The treatment produces a strong burning sensation, but the burning stops immediately after the glycolic acid is neutralized. Once the scarred skin is burned away, new skin will regrow, fading the initial scar.
Dermabrasion
Most dermatologists offer dermabrasion treatments. During the procedure, a rapidly rotating wire brush is used to remove the topmost layers of skin. Much like a glycolic acid treatment, new skin regrows at the treated site. Dermabrasion is best suited for fading small, superficial scars. Dermabrasion treatment will also smooth wrinkles and fine lines near the treated site.
Steroid Injections
Characterized by excessive collagen production at the wound, keloid scars are difficult to fade. In fact, keloid scar tissue can continue to grow beyond the parameters of the original scar site, according to the University of Chicago Medical Center. Steroid injections will stop the spread of keloid scars, and in some cases the injections can help shrink and fade keloid scars.
Vascular Laser
When a scar has reddish pigmentation, vascular lasers can help fade the discoloration. Reddish scars are the result of inflamed blood vessels. As explained by the University of Michigan, vascular lasers shrink blood vessels, clearing up reddened skin. The treatment takes only a few minutes, and it does not require anesthetic. Vascular treatment feels similar to a rubber band snapping on your skin.
CO2 and Erbium Lasers
While vascular lasers fade scars by attacking blood vessels, other laser therapies fade scars by smoothing the skin's surface. CO2 lasers are best suited for deeper scars, and Erbium lasers are better for surface scars or patients with dark skin tones, according to the University of Michigan. Both lasers burn away scar tissue, allowing new skin to regrow after treatment. The concept is similar to chemical peeling and dermabrasion, but laser therapy allows for more precision and deeper penetration.
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