Scar tissue forms as you heal after an injury. Age, ethnicity, the size and depth of the wound are all factors that determine how bad the scar is and what its treatment can be.
There are several treatments that can make the scar appear less visible. However, Cleveland Clinic cautions that scars never completely go away. Scar treatments range from simple minimally-invasive procedures to complex surgical procedures involving extensive surgery.
Keloid Scars
Keloid scars tend to extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound and are seen as raised, puckered growths that can sometimes be mistaken for tumors. These are treated by steroid injections, surgical removal or laser treatments. They tend to recur.
Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars that can occur as a result of burns have similar treatment options. These scars often need to be treated more extensively with reconstructive surgery if they restrict underlying tissues or structures. Silicone gel sheeting or ointment can help with keloid and hypertrophic scars.
Acne Scars
Acne scar treatment depends on size, extent, depth and severity of the scars. Dermabrasion and laser resurfacing are options that might be presented to you. Other options are silicon gel sheeting, intralesional steroid injections or topical steroids.
Contracture Scars
These are usually the result of extensive burns that might cause restriction of the underlying structures such as muscles, joints and tendons. They often need surgical correction by specialized procedures like Z-plasty. Skin grafting or tissue expansion is also used with contracture scars as needed.
Timing
There is wide variation in the recommended timing of scar revision procedures. Usually, waiting for about a year is recommended to see if the scar heals well, lightens in color or becomes less visible with the passage of time. But your plastic surgeon or dermatologist might decide to try treating it earlier if he feels you might benefit from early intervention.
Considerations
Many of these treatment modalities might require local anesthesia, sedation or even general anesthesia. These therapies come with their own set of risks and complications. Speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have prior to the procedure.
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