Though a scar cannot be removed completely it is
often possible to make it
appear less obvious. This can be done through the injection or application of
steroid medications. Scar modification can also be achieved by a procedure
known as a scar revision.
Surgical scar revision can change the size of a scar, raise depressed scars
or lower elevated scars. Scar revision improves the appearance of a scar
while leaving another - though less obvious - scar in its place. While a scar's
color cannot be altered, color will usually fade in time.
Because every scar is different and requires a different approach, a
consultation with Dr. Gilman and Dr. Ehrlichman will determine the best
approach to treat your scar.
Most methods of scar revision can be done in-office using local anesthesia.
Surgical Scar Revision
With surgical scar revision, a scar is removed and the surrounding healthy
skin is joined in a less conspicuous manner. Wide scars can often be
excised and closed resulting in a narrower, less obvious scar; similarly, long
scars can sometimes be shortened.
Irregular or zig-zag incision lines (rather than a straight incision line) are used
to form a new scar that is harder to recognize. This method can also be used
to move scars into less obvious places such as the hairline or a natural fold in
the skin.
Surgical scar removal works best on scars that are long, prominent, or have
healed in a particular shape. Best results are achieved when a scar is
removed and wound edges are joined without tension.
Click here for more information on Surgical Scar Revision
Punch Grafts
Punch grafting is often the best treatment for deep acne scars.
This method involves using a small instrument to punch a hole in the skin,
remove the scar and replace it with a small plug of new skin (usually taken
from the back of the earlobe). The new skin is taped into place for about
seven days to permit healing. Though punch grafting produces new scars, the
new scar will be smoother and less apparent than was the depressed scar.
Click here for more information on Punch Grafting
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion can be used to treat acne scars, chickenpox scars, tattoos,
wrinkle lines and surgical scars.
Using an abrasive device that removes the top layers of skin, dermabrasion
planes down an irregular skin surface. Patients can usually return to work
within two weeks. Several sessions may be needed if scars are deep, such
as acne scars.
Click here for more information on Dermabrasion
Laser Resurfacing
Laser light is used to burn away fine scars, wrinkles and sun damaged skin.
Patients can return to work within two weeks, though residual redness can
last up to six months.
Click here for more information on Laser Skin Resurfacing
Chemical Peel
The chemical peel is used to treat superficial scars, sun-damaged skin and
irregularly colored skin.
Like dermabrasion, chemical peels smooth depressed scars by removing top
layers of skin with a chemical compound. The chemical is applied to the skin
with a cotton-tipped applicator starting at the forehead.
Little healing time is needed after a light peel, though deeper peels can
require up to two weeks to heal.
Click here for more information on Chemical Peels
Injections
Injectable substances such as collagen can also be used to fill depressed
scars. While improvement is immediate, it is not permanent and continuous
treatment is required.
Click here for more information on Collagen Injections
Other Treatment Methods
Used to treat both raised and depressed acne scars, cryosurgery freezes the
upper skin layers. This causes blistering which can sometimes cause scars
to diminish in size.
Cortisone-like injections are used to soften firm scars (or keloids) causing
them to shrink and flatten.
Tattooing using a tattoo gun technique can be performed without without the
use of pigment to encourage white scars to return to normal pigment.
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Plastic Surgery Specialists Inc.
Boston
Plastic Surgery
332 Washington St., Suite 215
Wellesley, MA 02481
Phone: 781-431-7340; Fax: 781-431-7342
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