Aesthetic treatments for scar removal

Scars can occur as a result of various injuries, surgeries, acne, or other skin diseases. Although they aren't harmful to our health, many people perceive them as a major aesthetic problem that greatly affects self-confidence. Fortunately, modern dermatology and aesthetic medicine offer a variety of treatments that help reduce the visibility or complete removal of scars.

Before deciding on a treatment, it's important to understand what type of scars need to be treated. So we distinguish several groups of scars:

Atrophic (dimpled) scars most often occur after acne or chickenpox and look like small depressions or "holes" in the skin. Hypertrophic (thickened) are raised above the level of the skin but don't exceed the boundaries of the wound. Then keloid scars, which are similar to hypertrophic scars, but grow beyond the boundaries of the wound and can cause itching or pain. The last group of scars we recognize are hyperpigmented or hypopigmented scars that leave darker or lighter marks on the skin.

Aesthetic treatments for scar removal

In the last few years, several methods have been used to treat scars, depending on their type and depth, and these are some of them:

1. Laser treatments

Laser therapy is one of the most effective and popular methods for reducing scars. It's used to reduce redness, remove thickening, and improve skin texture.

One type of laser used is the fractionated CO2 laser which is used for deep atrophic scars and stimulates collagen production. Also, the erbium laser, which is suitable for shallow scars on the skin and less invasive procedures, and the pulse laser (PDL, IPL) reduce the redness of scars and are used for fresh hypertrophic scars.

2. Chemical peeling

Chemical peels use acids to remove the surface layers of the skin, which encourages regeneration, and therefore also affects scars.

TCA peels (trichloroacetic acid) are used for medium-deep scars, and glycolic and salicylic acids are milder peels that help with pigmentation and minor blemishes.

3. Microneedling (dermapen, dermaroller)

This technique is also very popular when it comes to skincare because it stimulates the production of collagen by creating tiny micro-damages on the skin. It's often combined with a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatment to improve results. This treatment is ideal and has good results for facial scars caused by acne.

4. Hyaluronic fillers

For atrophic scars, which have made major changes in the skin ("holes"), fillers based on hyaluronic acid can be used to fill in the depressions, however, the effect is only temporary and lasts for a period of 6 to 12 months, depending on the skin type.

5. Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a more aggressive method used for deeper scars, while microdermabrasion is a milder version, suitable for superficial scars and uneven skin tone.

In addition to the above treatments, corticosteroid injections are also an option. This method is used for hypertrophic and keloid scars to reduce their size and soften the scar tissue. An invasive method for scar removal that is the last option is surgical excision. It's used for large or irregular scars, which were caused by operations, where they are surgically removed with re-closure of the wound, in order to achieve a better aesthetic shape.

Scar removal can be a very long process that requires professional supervision. The choice of treatment depends on the type and age of the scar, as well as on the individual characteristics of the skin. Consultation with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon is necessary in order to find the best solution for each patient and to make the treatment more effective.

*This text is intended for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.*

*Image taken from the site:https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-in-brown-button-up-shirt-holding-a-makeup-brush-7588589/



Reference

WebMD. (n.d.). Cosmetic procedures for scars. Preuzeto 12, februara 2025, sa https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-scars

American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). 10 things to know before having laser treatment for your scar. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/laser-treatment-scar 

Ramsay Health Care. (n.d.). Scar removal. Ramsay Health Care. https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/hospitals/mount-stuart-hospital/treatments/cosmetic-surgery/scar-removal