Effective Treatments for Reducing Scars and Skin Flaws
Scars are a part of the natural skin repair process where fibrous tissue replaces normal, healthy skin. The appearance of scars diminishes over time, and most become virtually invisible. Unfortunately, thick, raised, or indented scars can make you feel embarrassed, self-conscious, and can even be painful. Calabasas Dermatology Center in Calabasas, CA, offers treatments to reduce the appearance of unsightly scars, including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, fat transfers, and laser scar removal.
What Causes a Scar?
Scarring can occur after any type of skin injury ranging from surgery to chicken pox and everyday cuts and abrasions. One of the most common causes of facial scarring is severe acne during adolescence or young adulthood. Acne scars can remain long after the acne has resolved. This type of scarring can often be minimized with the help of various acne scar treatments.
The more serious the skin injury, the more likely it is you will develop a scar and the longer it will take for it to heal. Most scars respond well to treatment. A dermatologist will recommend the appropriate treatment method for you based on the type, depth, and cause of your scar.
Common Scar Removal Treatments:
Even though it isn’t possible to completely remove a scar, most scars can be dramatically improved using one or more cosmetic procedures:
- Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are minimally invasive ablative procedures that remove the top layer of skin to promote regeneration of new healthy skin.
- Collagen injections and fat transfers improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the depression left by a scar using fat, collagen, or other dermal fillers like Juvederm® or Perlane®.
In rare instances, surgery may be used to reduce the appearance of severe scarring. Due to the risk of additional scarring, this is generally only used for scars that are especially prominent.
Laser Scar Removal:
Laser scar treatment involves using high-energy light to reshape or remove the affected tissue. A number of different laser treatments are available for use with different types of scars. A pulsed dye laser is typically used with raised or reddened scars. Acne scars respond best to laser skin resurfacing. Cosmelan Depigmentation® and IPL photofacials are often used to reduce the appearance of dark spots.
If you are tired of living with an unsightly scar, call Calabasas Dermatology Center today to arrange for your consultation. We will help you find the right scar reduction treatment for you.