When a wound is healing, a scar forms naturally to protect the underlying new skin as it develops. The longer it takes for an open wound to heal, the more risk you have of developing a permanent scar. Scars usually are red and bumpy initially, but often become less noticeable over a couple of months. Scars also can leave indents in your skin. Scar management designed to minimize the lasting effects on your skin varies depending on where you have the scar, your age and the condition of your skin.
Non-Invasive
Many scars will just disappear over time with no intervention at all, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Without any treatment at all, some scars may vanish completely within six to 18 months. Some scars respond well to massage and pressure bandages when applied daily over several months. Gels and creams that contain silicone can help to reduce the effects of scars, and cortisone shots can decrease their size and thickness. Cortisone is especially effective on thick scars because it softens the thick skin and makes it slough off. Also, you can apply makeup to cover up a visible scar while it heals naturally.
Laser Surgery
Lasers directed at the site of a scar can cause the blood to heat up and decrease blood flow to the affected area. According to Dr. Robert H. Demling and registered nurse Leslie DeSanti, writing in the journal "Rehab Management," laser surgery using a flash lamp pulse dye laser effectively removes as many as 50 percent of the scars in patients seeking the treatment. Laser surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and you often can return to your regular activities within a week. The skin on which the laser was directed may be a little pink, but there typically are no serious side effects. Dermatologists or cosmetic surgeons perform laser scar revisions.
Surgery
When scars are too deep to benefit from laser surgery or other cosmetic procedures such as dermabrasion or chemical peels, you may need to have the scar removed or covered surgically. A procedure called a punch excision is commonly used to manage acne scars, which can leave your skin pitted. Usually a skin graft is used to cover the scar, which has been reopened and dug out. A small piece of healthy skin from another part of the body, often from behind the ears, is used to fill the hole and cover the previous scar. The new skin is either taped in place and left to heal naturally or small stitches are strategically placed so as not leave additional scarring.
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