Scars can be improved but not removed

Hi!

You have got to be realistic.  When the skin is cut, there is going to be a permanent scar, which hopefully becomes inconspicuous with time.

In our plastic surgery practice in New York City, we have a whole protocol to PREVENT bad scarring.  And there is exciting research for the future.

We have patients use a gel (Scarfade) after surgery.

But when there are existing noticeable scars, we work with a dermatologist, because laser treatments can be very helpful (different lasers for red or for brown scars). 

I suggest you see a board certified dermatologist.

1. Avoid sun exposure as the harmful rays can cause your scar to hyperpigment, or darken
2. Perform scar massage as directed by your physician. This usually involves rubbing the scar with a moisturizer with vitamin E oil in it to loosen up the scar tissue and make it feel softer
3. Avoid directly applying vitamin E oil as it can act as an irritant and cause dermatitis
4. Silicone gel or silicone strips purchased online or over the counter at most major pharmacies can help soften and flatten the scar
5. Band-Aid, Kelocote, Scarguard, and Curad all make variants of this product

25 of 27 found this helpful

Helpful?

Contact the doctor

Whether a scar results from an accident or a previous surgery, for many people it is bit a badge of courage but an unsightly or even deforming mark. In 5 to 10 percent of people, scars become hypertrophied because of an overproduction of scar tissue, and in some cases a keloid develops, causing a scar to appear dark, thickened, and raised. It used to be that to get rid of a scar, doctors had to excise it surgically and resuture the wound in such a way as to minimize its appearance. But that really meant just replacing one blemish with another one potentially just as noticeable.
 

Fortunately, today we have several ways to improve a scar's appearance. Some techniques are most effective when a scar is still fresh, such as pigment blocking creams to even out color, silicone gel to improve texture, and massage to break down the tissue. But we also have several options after a scar has fully formed. Steroids injected directly into the healed wound can help to shrink the tissue, as can CO2 lasers. Microdermabrasion can flatten the scar, while lasers can decrease the blood-vessel formation in the area and normalize color.
 

2 of 2 found this helpful

Helpful?

Contact the doctor