Medline Plus defines a scar as tissue that forms during the healing process of a wound, sore, burn or any other break in the skin. The severity of the scarring often dictates the form of treatment used to improve the appearance of the skin. If you're hoping to remove scar tissue, your options are much more limited. It's almost impossible to entirely remove scars from the body, asserts the American Academy of Dermatology. However, this does not mean that procedures cannot be used to reduce the size and depth of the scar.
Step 1
Consult with a medical professional. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a consultation with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon is crucial in the treatment of scar tissue. Not only does this ensure that the proper procedure is used, but it also sets expectations for the patient and enlightens the health care provider of the individual's overall concerns.
Step 2
Dermabrasion may be used to improve scar tissue. With dermabrasion, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery states that the scarred skin is mechanically removed to allow a new layer of remodeled skin to grow in its place. It takes between seven to ten days for healing, but the skin often looks smoother than before the procedure.
Step 3
Consider laser resurfacing. The American Academy of Dermatology offers this option to improve the appearance of scars. Much like dermabrasion, the top layer of the scar tissue is removed to allow a new layer of skin to grow in its place. But the laser energy also heats the dermis, which are the layers just under the skin. This can cause the production of collagen, serving to fill in sunken scars. The recovery time is approximately the same as for dermabrasion, yet the pinkness of the skin may not dissipate for several weeks.
Step 4
Try a surgical scar revision. Surgical scar revision manually removes scar tissue from the skin, maintains the American Academy of Dermatology. After the tissue is removed, the opening is either closed with sutures or healthy skin tissue is transplanted with a graft to improve the appearance of the skin.
Tips and Warnings
- After surgical removal of scar tissue, other cosmetic products and procedures may be used to limit any additional scarring, including gels or tapes containing steroids or silicone, soft tissue fillers to fill in concave areas of the skin and other agents that may lessen discoloration as the incision heals.
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