Cosmetic Surgery ­ – Removing Scars

Scarring is a natural healing process of the body. It is caused by replacement of skin that is either lost or damaged. Scars can occur for many reasons including injuries, inflammation, infections and surgery. All parts of the body are susceptible to scarring and there is a lot of variation with regards to their appearance. They can be flat or flush with the skin, lumpy, colored usually red or purplish colors or shrunken. They are often itchy and painful. Fortunately there are various types of laser treatment that can help reduce the appearance of an unsightly scar.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatments typically resurface lumpy scars or raise sunken scars. The treatments are also useful in removing abnormal coloring and make use of pulse dye technology. Sometimes the most effective way of treating a scar is by using several treatments. Laser is often used in conjunction with steroid injections that helps to further reduce the appearance of the scar. Other treatments that are often used with laser are creams and lotions and sometimes bandages for compression purposes.

Kinds of Scars

Scars vary a lot with regards to their shapes and sizes. Scarring that causes a depression or spoon shaped cavity in the skin, can be treated by using laser resurfacing technology. There are instances in which both resurfacing and filling is needed to be used to solve the problem. Those suffering from acne induced problems often need filling technology for pitted scars. Pitted scars often need a treatment called punch grafting. A section of skin is removed from behind your ear and used to fill the depressed area so that it becomes level with the rest of your skin. After the plug is in place sometimes it is necessary to use laser treatments to resurface the area.

Odd Shaped Scars

Sometimes a person will have a scar that has an odd shape to it perhaps with a jagged edge. This scar needs to be removed by a skilled surgeon who will then reclose it so that a much smaller scar develops at the site of the injury.

Hypertropic Scars

These scars are typically thick and rise up above the skins surface. Injections of steroids and creams are the most commonly used treatments for this type of scarring. Sometimes laser treatment is used to reduce coloring in hypertropic scars.

Are Laser Treatments the Right Way to Go?

Many factors come into play when deciding which treatment is best for you. The shape, size, color and texture all play a role. You and your doctor will discuss your particular problem and decide on a course of action. It is important when seeking assistance to have realistic expectations. Nothing is currently available that will make the scar disappear completely. The only measures that are available will help reduce the overall appearance of the scar.

Location of Scar

It is important to know that where the scar is located on your body will be a factor in how successful your treatment will be. Acne and white scars are unpredictable, while hypertropic scars are not. Scars on temples and cheeks are not as responsive to treatment as some other areas, and legs are extremely difficult to treat. With all this information you and your medical expert are now ready to discuss options.