Any time the skin experiences trauma (i.e. injury, burns, disease, surgery, acne), it is possible that a scar may occur. Scarring is actually part of the natural healing process resulting in the abnormal formation of collagen. Many scars fade with time, but others remain as a reminder of a painful experience. Scars may also be unsightly and difficult to conceal which prompts many people to seek treatment for them. Unfortunately, a scar will never completely go away. However there are some treatments that may improve the appearance of scars and make them less noticeable.
Because scarring is so variable, it is one of the more challenging conditions to treat. The appearance of a scar is determined by multiple factors including: the type and time of injury, the location of the wound, the size and depth of the wound, age, sex, ethnicity, and genetics. These factors also determine which type of treatment, if any, will offer improvement in the scar. There isn’t one treatment that will work for everyone, therefore your skin care professional will consider all factors that have contributed to the scar in order to make the best treatment recommendation.
Types of Non-Surgical Scar Treatments
1) Topical ointments (OTC or prescription)
These work best on new scars that have been caused by cuts, wounds, or surgery. Treating the initial wounds properly with antibiotic ointment can minimize the degree of scarring. Once the wound is healed, a steroid cream or silicone gel sheeting can be quite effective. Specialty ointments such as Skin Medica Scar Recovery Gel ($95), and Dermastrat ($59) can also help smooth and minimize these types of scars.
2) Laser Genesis
Laser Genesis is a gentle laser that minimizes redness, stimulates collagen production, and smoothes skin texture. When combined with Microdermabrasion, Laser Genesis can be very effective on red scars, shallow acne scars, and hypertrophic scars (raised, widened scars that are red or pink and remain within the boundary of the injury). Scars that respond to this treatment will be lighter in colour, flatter and smoother. Laser Genesis can be performed on the face and body, is safe for all skin types, and there is no recovery time. Best results occur after a series of up to 10 biweekly treatments.
3) Steroid Injections
Steroid injections can be quite effective on hypertrophic scars and keloid scars. Keloids are scars that have healed abnormally and continue to grow outside the boundary of the injury. They are typically raised, distorted, discoloured, and may be accompanied by pain or itching. Thick keloids often flatten out after steroid injections into the scar tissue. Depending on the scar, Laser Genesis may offer further improvement once the keloid has flattened.
4) Fractionated Laser Treatments
Fractionated laser treatments such as Pearl Fractional can offer remarkable improvement in facial scars such as deep or pitted acne scars, and chicken pox scars. These lasers are effective because they work deeply to stimulate collagen remodeling, and smooth the skin’s texture. This is a one-time treatment that requires the patient to follow pre- and post-procedure instructions. Recovery time after a Pearl Fractional treatment is approximately 7 to 10 days, and the results are dramatic.
5) Selphyl®
Selphyl® is an injectable treatment that utilizes PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to effectively improve facial scars and shallow acne scars. This treatment involves injecting the patient’s own plasma (obtained via blood sample) into the areas requiring correction. Plasma contains a high concentration of growth factors which stimulate collagen, thicken the skin, and improve overall skin texture. Results occur gradually and are long-lasting. For maximum results, Selphyl® may also be combined with appropriate laser treatment.
6) Dermal Filler
Dermal fillers are injectable gels that can be used to fill in deep, depressed scars, making them less noticeable. Results are instant and may last up to one year.
Due to the variable nature of scars, it is highly recommended that patients schedule a consultation with their skin care professional to have the scar assessed. This is the only way to determine whether or not the scar is treatable, and what type of treatment may offer the best chance of improvement. Even though scars are permanent, significant improvement in their appearance can be possible, as long as expectations are realistic.
