How To Improve The Appearance Of Scars, Straight From Derms

Scars appear when an injury penetrates deep enough into the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that includes collagen, elastin, and blood vessels. Scars can form as a result of severe traumas, but they can also form as a result of little traumas like acne, falls, and skin picking. Mary Stevenson, MD, and I will go over the many types of scars and how to treat them in the article below. Improve The Appearance Of Scars

Scars of Various Types

Not all scars are created equal. A scar can be described in five different ways. More than one of these descriptions can be found on a scar.

How To Improve The Appearance Of Scars, Straight From Derms

Normal scars are scars that have fully healed and appear as expected. They are not elevated or shallow, and they are the same color as the surrounding skin.
Atrophic scars are scars that appear stretched and wider than they should be.
Scars that seem thicker than expected are known as hypertrophic scars.
Scars that are darker than the surrounding skin are known as hyperpigmented scars.
The skin around erythematous scars is redder than the surrounding skin.
The appearance of a scar is determined by three factors.
What was the cause of the scar? In general, a surgical excision that is stitched together heals better than a wound that is left to heal on its own. There are some parts of the body that naturally heal well, such as the hands and face, but this is not the case in general.
How is the scar cared for? In general, wounds that become infected do not heal as quickly as wounds that are properly cared for. Furthermore, stressing the underlying muscle (e.g., working out the muscle beneath the scar) frequently during the early phases of healing might result in stretched or thicker scars.
Your ancestors. We all have a proclivity for scarring in different ways. When the prerequisites for #1 and #2 are met, some people “heal well” with barely perceptible scars. Keloids or thicker scars are common in certain persons, while thin, stretched scars are common in others.

Mary Stevenson, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in Mohs surgery, a skin cancer therapy, as well as laser and aesthetic operations. She studies high-risk squamous cell carcinoma, concentrating on how skin malignancies behave and how improved treatments might be developed. She received the Stewart J. Rahr Young Investigator in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology and the New York Academy of Medicine Academic Research Award in Dermatology.
1st of 13
With sun protection, you can keep the scar from getting worse.
“SPF, SPF, SPF!” exclaims Stevenson. Hyperpigmentation is common in healing tissue, and a scar will change for at least a year. When healing scars are exposed to the sun, they should be covered with sunscreen or clothing to avoid discoloration.

Bandage to Keep the Wound Covered

Most people believe that leaving a healing wound exposed to the air is a good idea. This is incorrect. Patients should keep ointment on healing wounds for the first few weeks, according to Stevenson and myself. This will speed up the healing process. During the shower, leave the wound open to allow soap and water to wash over it.

To Promote Normal Healing Ointment, Use a Silicone Gel

Silicone is one of the most efficient scar-healing topical therapies. Silicone aids in the creation of healthy scars. Avene scar gel is an over-the-counter scar gel that is conveniently accessible. Once the top layer of skin has healed, apply two times a day.

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Massage with Care mild massage

Scars are prevented from pushing on surrounding tissue by gentle massage. 2–3 times a day, massage the wound with light pressure for around two minutes.

Minimize Relevant Movement (#5) of 13 During the healing process, a woman does yoga.
Scars heal best when the area isn’t stretched too much, which might happen during an activity. In general, I advise waiting three weeks after surgery before activating the underlying muscle. Not all forms of exercise, however, must be avoided. After a shoulder excision, for example, walking and lower-body work are fine. Running, on the other hand, is not an option.

atrophic scar #6 of 13 Topical Retinoids for Thin Scars and Stretch Marks
Due to a lack of collagen and elastin beneath the scar, it seems atrophic. Collagen formation can be stimulated using retinoids. Prescription retinoids are one of the finest therapies for thinner scars, but the results are modest and require time.

Intralesional Kenalog for Thickened Scars 07 of 13 keloid
A simple in-office injectable technique can flatten thickened scars. Although it may take a few sessions to observe a difference in thickness, any itching and/or pain should become better with each treatment.

Microneedling device microneedling device 08 of 13 Laser and Microneedling for Thin Scars
Procedures that penetrate to the level of the dermis are the greatest therapeutic options once a scar has fully formed. Stevenson points out that thulium 1927, picosecond lasers, CO2 lasers, and microneedling with and without radiofrequency are also options for improving scar appearance. She points out that a combination approach is frequently the most effective.

Pulsed Dye Laser for Red Scars #9 of 13 laser for scars
Blood vessels are targeted by pulsed dye lasers. They are commonly used to treat rosacea-related redness, but they can also be used to reduce scar redness. They can also aid in the reduction of scars’ appearance.

 Laser Treatments for Pigmented Scars

laser
It takes time to correct pigmentation within a scar, although laser treatments like laser genesis, clear and bright, and picosecond lasers can help.

Consider Replacing the Scar 11 of 13

Skin from stretched scars can be removed and replaced with a more regulated and improved scar, according to Stevenson.

Consider Filler for Acne Scars 12 of 13

scarring from acne
Filler can be an effective treatment for acne scars in combination to retinoids and procedural therapies.

Time is 13 of 13
A scar might take up to a year to heal and mend. Continued effects will be achieved with proper care, including massage and sun protection. However, commencing the treatments mentioned above sooner rather than later, if necessary, can be beneficial. It is recommended that you consult with a board-certified dermatologist to determine the best course of action for you.

Surgical procedures, as well as inflammatory disorders like acne and plucking, can leave scars. Appropriate wound care and sun protection are the best ways to care for an early scar. Surgical treatments can be used to replace formed scars, and other techniques can be used to restyle them.

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