The human body has the amazing ability to heal even the most serious of injuries. Most minor injuries heal without leaving a scar. However, some injuries are so severe that while they do heal, there is some scarring left behind. Scars are unattractive. Depending on where they are located, they can have an impact on the way you look and on the way that other people perceive you.

If you have a scar that really bothers you, scar revision will likely be worth the effort. In fact, RealSelf readers gave scar revision a 96% “Worth It” rating, many saying that they have regained their confidence after the procedure. Still, it is good to realize that no type of plastic surgery or laser treatment is guaranteed to completely remove a scar. Scar revision, however, can make a scar look significantly less prominent.

Types of Scars

There are different types of scars. Some are large and look unattractive at the outset. However, over time they may fade and even disappear on their own. Your scar type will, in part, determine your treatment options. Some potential types of scars include:

• Keloid scars
• Hypertrophic scars
• Burn scars
• Acne scars
• Surgical scars

Since every scar is different, you will need to sit down with our board-certified cosmetic surgeon and have her examine the scar. She will discuss possible scar treatment options and the benefits of removing a scar. She will also give you a realistic idea of what to expect from the procedure.

How Can Steroid Injections for Scars Help?

There are other scars that respond well to steroids. Using steroids on these scars can not only make them disappear, but it will help treat any tenderness or itching around the scar.

Keloids can be itchy, and they often grow well beyond the edges of the wound. Steroids can be used on the scar to reduce redness, burning and itchiness that is often associated with keloids. In many cases, using steroids on keloids will cause them to reduce in size.

When Is Scar Revision Surgery Necessary?

Keloid scars are unattractive, raised-up clusters of scar tissue. If steroids do not work on keloid scars, the scar tissue may need to be surgically removed and the wound closed using stitches.

Hypertrophic scars share some of the visual characteristics of keloids since both of them are raised up, are very thick and have a red appearance. Most hypertrophic scars are treated using surgery. Excessive scar tissue may be removed, and the area can be adjusted so that when it re-heals, any scarring is all but invisible.

Burns are another major source of scarring. There are a number of plastic surgery options designed to re-position a burn scar, giving it a different angle and making it less visible.

Can Laser Treatment Help My Scars?

The laser and light-based treatments are best for treating shallow scars, such as acne and chickenpox scarring. We use the BBL HERO® for superficial scars at our practice. This nonsurgical option uses broad-spectrum light waves to address discoloration and surface irregularities of the skin while also spurring your body’s production of collagen—a vital building block of healthy, fresh-looking skin.

You can learn more about laser scar revision in a related blog post.

Learn More Today

Having an unsightly scar can have a negative impact on your self-esteem. It can make you self-conscious and rob you of your joy. A scar revision may be able to help you reduce the appearance of a scar and get your confidence back.

To learn more about how scar revision can benefit you, set up a consultation at the office of Dr. Beth Collins, MD, in Guilford. We will be happy to go over your questions, concerns and treatment options with you. Request a consultation using our online form or call us today at (203) 689-5295 to schedule your appointment.