Aside from hiding it with clothing, there’s really no way to make a scar completely disappear. However, you can make it less noticeable.
As a leading clinic in Lawrenceville, GA, Southern Dermatology has immense expertise in this area. Here’s a guide:
– Over-the-Counter Ointments and Medication
You’ll find plenty of treatments for cuts and wounds at your local drugstore. But not all of them will suit your needs. Antihistamines for scars may cause skin sensitivity and itchiness, for instance. So if you have sensitive skin already, it might be better if you go to your dermatologist and ask for a prescription instead.
– Soft Tissue Fillers
Soft indented scars that cause puckering and irregular dimpling can be filled out using injectable fillers such as fat, collagen, or hyaluronic acid. What option suits you will be decided by your doctor.
– Dermabrasion
A process used to sand out the upper layer of your skin, dermabrasion typically gives your skin a smoother, shinier feel. However, for people with surgical scars, minor irregularities, acne scars, and pockmarks, it might be able to clear out and lighten the scars and marks.
– Chemical Peels
Chemical peels come in three different types. So even if you have a depressed scar, you might be able to benefit from the procedure. Used to remove the top layer of your skin, chemical peels are the best choice for superficial scars.
– Botox
According to the Mayo Clinic, Botox is one of the most effective options if you’re worried about facial scars that won’t heal well. Especially if you have a facial wound that’s in the early stages of healing, using Botox to smooth the scar might clear out the appearance of the mark later on.
A Note on Scars
Keep in mind, there’s no one type of scar. Depending on a number of factors, such as the type of injury, skin type, and location, you will have a different type of scar that requires specific treatment. These types include:
- Keloids — A scar that’s larger than the wound and dark in color. It continues to grow even after the wound heals, and can have side effects
- Hypotrophic Scars — Red and raised, this is an injury scar that’s painful and itchy, but gets better over the years.
- Atrophic Scars —This scar is like a dent or a pit on the skin. It’s caused by collagen damage due to acne or chickenpox.
- Contracture Scars —These cause the skin to tighten and are quite painful. They affect nerves, muscles, and movement. Often the result of burns.
- Widespread Scars —e. stretched scars. Common after pregnancy, dramatic weight loss, or due to surgical incisions, these scars are pale and flat but less noticeable.
Book an Appointment with Southern Dermatology
Whichever type of scar you have, the right treatment will be able to make it less visible. So why not book an appointment to get started? Dr. Derrick Moody and the team at our Lawrenceville, GA, is here to help!