Scar Injury Treatment

Medical Treatment for Scar Injury Victims

Scars are permanent. They cannot be completely removed. However, there are a number of treatment options that can minimize the appearance of scars and restore functionality. Treatment options depend on the type and location of the scar, as well as the age and ethnicity of the scar victim. Scar treatments include:

Surgery – Scar revision surgery can alter the shape of a scar and make it less noticeable. Multiple surgeries are often needed. Because of the risk of recurring scars and more severe scarring, surgery is not recommended for keloid or hypertrophic scarring.

Collagen Induction – This procedure involves repeated puncturing of the skin with a tiny needle called a microneedling device. This procedure is intended to build up the lower skin lawyers while keeping intact the protective layers of skin.

Dermabrasion – Dermabrasion removes the surface of the skin with special equipment. This treatment is helpful when the scar is raised but is less effective for sunken scars. Superficial scars may be treated with a less invasive form of dermabrasion called “microdermabrasion.”

Laser resurfacing – Like dermabrasion, laser resurfacing removes the surface layer of the skin with lasers. Laser resurfacing is less invasive than dermabrasion and requires much less recovery time.

Radiotherapy – Low-dose radiotherapy is used for severe hypertrophic or keloid scarring. Due to the potential long-term side effects, radiotherapy is used only in extreme circumstances.

Filler injections – Filler injections temporarily raise sunken scars. The filler material is designed to raise pitted scars. Material used as filler can include human or bovine collagen, fat cells harvested from your body, and various synthetic materials. Because of the temporary nature of this type of treatment, injections need to be repeated on a regular basis.

Steroid injections – Steroids may be injected directly into keloid or hypertrophic scars.

Semiocclusive ointments and pressure dressing – Semiocclusive silicone based ointments and silicone sheeting are used to speed healing and minimize the appearance of scars. Pressure dressing involves the use of elastic materials, gauze or pressure garments. By applying constant pressure to blood vessels in the skin’s surface, scars can be flattened and become softer.

Cryosurgery  – This treatment involves freezing of scar tissue using a probe containing nitrous oxide. It is typically used for keloid and hypertrophic scars.

Skin grafts – Primarily used in treatment of contracture scars. A thin layer of skin is taken from another part of the body and placed over the damaged area.

Z-plasty – Several small incisions are made on both sides of the scar forming a “V.” This causes a flap that heals tight. This procedure is used mainly for contracture scars.