Important Considerations When Selecting The Appropriate Scar Removal Method

By Susan Lee Wong

You’ve probably struggled with stubborn scars at some point in your life. This is probably because flawless skin is considered a measure of beauty by some. In your search for beauty enhancing skin care products, you may have run into (purchased) tens of products that haven’t worked for you.

There are many scar removal products in the market, some haven’t been verified. To avoid falling into such traps, you should consider the following when looking for a scar removal product or procedure:     

1. The type of scar

Scars vary in size, shape, and color. There are atrophic and hypertrophic scars. Atrophic appear as depressions as an injury heals. Hypertrophic scars appear as bumps during healing because of the high amount of collagen produced by the repair cells. Once the type of scar is identified, your dermatologist will prescribe the best treatment or scar removal process.

2. Location of the scar

Injury and resultant scars on parts of your body, which you use a lot will take longer to heal. Constant contact and abrasion will take an injury a prolonged time to heal and bigger scars will result.

3. Any complications with the healing process

There is a higher chance of scarring when there are complications like inflammations and/or infections.

4. The type of non-prescription products available

Once the type of scar has been identified, the best treatment option will be determined. Some of the non-prescription products you can use include:

Silicone sheets/gels: they are topically applied on the skin and have been effective in reducing scars and softening the skin. They are effective for hypertrophic and keloids scars. The silicone sheets and gels function by enhancing the enzyme activity necessary for breaking down the excess collagen. They also prevent bacteria and hydrate the skin.
Onion extracts: sometimes, you do not have to look further than your kitchen for an effective remedy. Onions have bioflavonoids that have been shown to enhance blood circulation treating inflammations and reducing the appearance of scars. It also regulates collagen production.

5. Your skin type

People with lighter skin tend to struggle more with scars. Even after treatment, some scars may reappear as the skin heals and adds more collagen and elastin layers.

6. The available medical/dermatological or prescription solutions

In some cases, you will be expected to use dermatological procedures to get rid of the stubborn scars. There are many such procedures and since they require special attention, you should make inquiries from the certified dermatologists. Some of the procedures and products available include:

Prescription scar removal creams: These should be provided by a doctor and a pharmacist with direction from the doctor. The best prescription scar cream has ingredients like tretinoin, gabapentin, hydroquinone, etc. and has been proven to be an effective scar removal product.

Dermabrasion: It targets deeper and larger scars. A diamond wheel is used to remove the layer of scarred tissue/cells. The upper part of the skin is removed, ONLY.

Laser therapy: The scars are removed using laser therapy or resurfacing. The carbon dioxide laser is used for the scars. By targeting blood vessels in scarred tissue, the atrophic scars are made shallower. Collagen production is activated at the deeper skin layers using laser therapy.

7. Need for the surgery

In some cases, you will have to go for surgery to have a scar removed. There is the surgical scar revision done for old scars that have left permanent marks.

In conclusion, go for the best scar removal procedure once you and your doctor ascertain that it is the best procedure or product. Also, keep your age in mind.

Author Bio

Susan Lee Wong is a renowned dermatologist and an expert on scar removal. She is responsible for few of the best prescription scar cream in the market. Read more on scar removal on her blog and the medical journal.