New Scar Treatment

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The bodys capacity to self-heal is an amazing process, but unfortunately the byproduct of healing can be a scar. While most scars fade with time, depending on the size and location, scars can also be a great source of discomfort and self-consciousness. Most scars can be treated either through home remedies or consulting a dermatologist.

There are several common and widely-used forms of scar removal treatment. Silicone sheets use protection, abrasion, pressure and hydration to reduce the size of and fade the scar. These sheets have been considered the best home remedies by many. They can be cut to size in order to cover a variety of scars from acne, burns, or cuts. Silicone sheets work by softening the skin around the scar, and of the scar tissue itself. They also smooth out irregular skin surfaces. Most people use them by wearing them for an hour or so in the evening at first, and then by gradually increasing the usage time over a period of several months. The only potential hazard to this treatment method is that the sheets must be kept very clean, in order to prevent ordinary skin blemishes, like acne.

Lasers ...
... have also been expensive, but effective in scar removal. A method called skin resurfacing employs laser light to remove or reshape areas of skin that have been deeply scarred by acne. Collagen injections help promote moisture and elasticity in the process of removal. Surgery is sometimes an option, but often results in more scarring. Other treatments known to have some effect have been microderm abrasions and peels, but each of these can cost hundreds of dollars very quickly. A normal microderm abrasion regiment will require 4-6 treatments in order to show results. Laser treatments also require healing time, as do skin peels and abrasion.

Another new treatment is the use of what are referred to as "soft tissue fillers." Working in a way like botox, fillers are injected into the scarred tissue with the intention to elevate the surface levels of the scar to become more uniform. The downside of using fillers is that must be reapplied every eight to twelve months, and may not have a uniform effect, meaning that they could create bumps or ridges under the skin.

Z-plasty is a different approach to treating scars that utilizes rotation flaps that can create effective results in hiding the scar. This type of treatment is considered "scar revision." Flaps are cut in and around the scar, causing a "z" pattern. The flaps are then lifted up and over the scar, which serves to redistribute the tightness of the wound, and particularly helps in hiding longer scars. The idea is to blend the scar lines into natural creases or wrinkles in the skin, thereby making them less noticeable. As can be expected, this treatment comes with significant risk of new scarring, as well as plenty of healing time.

When treating a scar, its important to try the safest home remedy first. Moving immediately to peels or surgical treatments can mean that your skin could have an adverse reaction that only creates more scarring around the area.