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Treatment Options For Scars

Scar Treatment Center

Scar Treatment Center at Contour Dermatology

Treatment Options For Scars

Scar Treatment Center

Scar Treatment Center at Contour Dermatology

Chemical Peels – TCA (trichloroacetic acid) chemical peels for acne scars and hyperpigmentation

Cryotherapy – a freezing therapy using liquid nitrogen for smaller keloid scars.

Dermabrasion – a procedure that removes top layers of skin, in effect “sanding down” acne scars. Treats hyperpigmentation as well.

Dermapen – a form of microneedling, effective on hypertrophic and atrophic scars.

Dermaroller – a form of microneedling, effective on hypertrophic and atrophic scars.

Fillers – Restylane, Perlane, Juvéderm, Radiesse or Fat Transfer used to plump up atrophic (depressed) scars, as in the case of acne, also stretch marks.

Lasers

Latisse – used in combination with fractional laser therapy has shown promise on hypopigmented scars.

Retin-A – A topical derivative of vitamin A available by prescription only. Most effective against shallow acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Stimulates the production of collagen. Can be helpful in relieving the pain and itching associated with keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Steroid Injections – a variety known as Kenalog is used to flatten out hypertrophic and keloid scars.

Silicone Sheeting – reduces keloid and hypertrophic scars including surgery scars from tummy tucks, breast augmentation or reduction and other cosmetic and non-cosmetic procedures such as C-section.

Surgical Excision – in the case of keloid scars, where an incision is made and the scar is cut out.

Punch Grafting – For depressed acne scars. A technique where the scar is cut out, then a skin graft, usually taken from behind the ear, is used to fill the void.

Punch Elevation – For depressed acne scars. A technique where the scar tissue is pinched, the base of the scar raised and the surrounding tissue sutured to seal off the site.

Topical Creams

Prescription Varieties

  • Aldara Cream has been shown to decrease the reappearance of surgically excised keloids.
  • 5-Fluorouracil Cream (5-FU) – typically used to treat skin cancers, it decreases collagen production and has proven helpful on some hypertrophic scars.

Non-Prescription

  • Mederma, a gel based on an onion extract. Its marketing claims to make make scars “softer, smoother and less noticeable.
  • Bleaching Creams – a variety exist on the market to help diminish hyperpigmented scars.
  • Vitamin E – Special Note: Studies have shown that topically applied vitamin E does NOT help in improving the cosmetic appearance of scars and leads to a higher incidence of an allergic reaction known as contact dermatitis.

Vibradermabrasion– a form of dermabrasion that uses a vibrating paddle.

Concealment of Scars

Camouflage Makeup

  • Dermablend: a light, full-coverage foundation that can cover a variety of scars on the face and body.
  • Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup: Concealer and corrective color system available at Contour Dermatology.

Tattooing a Scar – NEVER a good idea. The exact pigment can never be matched. Tattoos fade over time and skin pigment changes throughout the year.

author avatar
Dr. Timothy Jochen Medical Director, Contour Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Center
Dr. Jochen specializes in Mohs Surgery for skin cancer removal, facial rejuvenation including cosmetic laser technology, Botox® and facial fillers, soft tissue augmentation, leg and facial vein treatment, tumescent liposuction and hair restoration/transplants.
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