by Scar treatment refers to the various methods and therapies aimed at reducing the appearance of scars on the skin caused by injuries, surgeries, or skin conditions. These treatments can include topical solutions like silicone-based gels, creams containing active ingredients such as retinoids and vitamin C.
Causes of Scarring
There are various causes that can lead to scarring on the skin. Some of the most common causes in North America include:
Accidental cuts and lacerations: These are one of the leading causes of scarring. Accidental cuts from falls, vehicle accidents, sharp objects etc. can damage the skin deeply and leave behind scars.
Burns: Thermal, chemical, electrical or radiation burns damage multiple layers of skin. This significant trauma often results in raised, bulky scars.
Acne: Popping pimples or picking at acne lesions damages the skin and increases the chances of post-acne scarring like boxcar scars, icepick scars, rolling scars etc. Moderate to severe acne leads to the worst scarring.
Surgeries: Surgical procedures like C-section, appendix removal, hernia repair etc involve cutting through multiple skin layers. This trauma is necessary but can result in linear or hypertrophic scars.
Injuries from sports or activities: Contact sports, bike or car accidents, and other high impact activities increase the risks of lacerations or wounds developing into scars.
Skin conditions: Conditions like keloids, folliculitis, insect bites etc damage the skin integrity on their own and result in irregular scarring.
Scar Treatment Options
There are a variety of non-invasive and minimally invasive Scar Treatment options available across North America for reducing the appearance of scars:
Topical Creams and Gels
Silicone-based scar creams and gels are one of the most effective and commonly used Over-The-Counter options. They reduce Scar Treatment discoloration, thickness and pliability.
Vitamin E, Coconut, Rosehip, Aloe Vera and other natural oils work well for lightly pigmented scars.
Laser Therapy
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is effective for thick, bulky scars by remodeling scar tissue from the inner layers.
ND:YAG, Pulsed Dye and other lasers target specific scar pigments like redness or brown color.
IPL or intense pulsed light therapy is preferred for darker skin tones to reduce redness and pigmentation from scars.
Injectable Treatments
Corticosteroid injections directly into raised or hypertrophic scars reduce inflammation and scar thickness.
Fillers like Juvéderm or Bellafill add volume under depressed scars for a smoother appearance.
Chemodenervation or Botox shots relax overactive muscles pulling on scars for a flatter result.
Procedures
Microneedling with dermal rollers involves controlled skin punctures to stimulate new collagen production for smoothing out scars.
Subcision cuts scar fibrous strands attached to deeper tissues for flatter, softer scars.
Scar revision surgery removes excess scar tissue for restructuring severe, noticeable scars.
When to Seek Treatment
While most scars fade on their own to some extent, certain deep, wide or raised scars may require additional treatment and intervention. It’s best to consult a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for evaluation and recommendation in the following cases:
Scars that are raised, thickened, wide, darkened or causing contractures and tightness in surrounding tissues.
Scars from major surgeries, deep lacerations, or severe burns, acne or injuries with risk of disfigurement.
Scars impairing motor function, movement, or interfering with daily activities.
Keloid or hypertrophic scars risks developing into larger, raised scars beyond the original wound borders.
Scars in highly visible areas like the face, neck, hands, legs etc affecting appearance and confidence.
Persistent redness, rubbing, itching or pain from scars not improving with basic scar management.
Choosing the right treatment depends on scar type, location, risk factors and patient skin type. Combining modalities based on the scar progression usually gives the best improvement with minimal side effects. With prompt treatment, most new scars in North America can achieve excellent cosmetic outcomes.
Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research.
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
