How to Remove Scars?

i have lots of skin scars. what's best for getting rid of scars?

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scar surgery scar

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21 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

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Scar removal treatment depends on what scar looks like

If the scar is large, you may have to excise it first and then close it. If it is long you may need to close it in an irregular way to break up the line so that the brain doesn't notice it. Your brain is more likely to notice a line that is over 7mm in length. Anything longer than that will need to be made irregular for the brain to not notice it as easily. Once the scar is thinner you can then use lasers to resurface the area to make it look better. CO2 lasers are the best for this... more

Philip Young, MD

6 reviews

Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon

Scar Treatments and Stretch Mark Removal

There are many kinds of scars. They can result from acne, infection, injury or surgery. While technically not scars, stretch marks, which may follow a rapid growth spurt during adolescence, pregnancy or prolonged overweight, possess some of the microscopic characteristics of scars and for that reason have been included here. Whatever their cause, all scars are by definition permanent. Happily, however, there are now a variety of successful approaches for improving the appearance of... more

Skin scars

Scar revision is a broad topic, and unfortunately your question does not classify what type of scar you have in terms of location, depth, width, age, etc. A thorough evaluation is necessary. Among some of the options I can discuss with you are scar excision, rearrangement, shifting to a new location, sanding, lasering, and filling. Realize however that scars cannot be completely removed, only minimized. Many times the scar can be made quite negligible... more

Scar treatments

There is no way to "get rid" of scars. Scars are permanent. Scar revision can be considered for wide, depressed, or irregular scars with the goals of a narrower, smooth scar that is oriented within natural skin tension lines so it is less conspicuous. Topical treatments and laser treatments work best for discolored scars, to improve blending with surrounding skin. Many over the counter scar treatments do not have proven effectiveness. In the situation of new scars... more

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... more

Scar removal treatment depends

Hello, The "removal of a scar" is a loaded concept. When you remove a scar you replace it with another scar. The idea is determining to what extent the removal technique will allow the result to be better than the current scar. The answer depends upon the scar and the conditions under which wounding occurred as well as the patient's capacity to heal. See a plastic surgeon who brings expertise in scar revision and improvement and go from there. Some scars can be revised in the... more

Treatment for surgical scars

Surgical scars fall into two categories: acute and chronic. During the acute phase of scarring after surgery, the most effective treatments include keeping the scar clean and free of infection, massage, and topical application of wound healing creams. These creams will decrease inflammation and minimize pigmentation. Chronic surgical scars may require scar revision with surgery, topical application of creams, use of silicone strips, massage, or injection of TAC. These should be discussed... more

5 ways to remove scars

Avoid sun exposure as the harmful rays can cause your scar to hyperpigment, or darken 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 Avoid directly applying vitamin E oil as it can act as an irritant and cause dermatitis Silicone gel or silicone strips purchased online or over the counter at most major pharmacies can help soften and flatten the... more

If you have a history of bad scars, you must tell your...

If you have a history of bad scars, you must tell your surgeon. Ideally, your surgeon will use techniques to minimise scarring and place them in inconspicuous sites that won’t be too visible. After surgery, keeps scars away from sunshine until they have faded and moisturise scars regularly.

Again, there are many excellent products available; but...

Again, there are many excellent products available; but in general, I reserve the use of these products if there are any problems developing or any concerns regarding the normal healing process. Most scars will settle down and fade with time. A couple of basic principles are moisturizing and massaging the scars to keep them soft and avoidance of direct sun exposure to any scars. Sunblock should be applied to scars even if they have covered with clothing, as the SPF factor of most clothing is... more