Scars can be an unwanted reminder of the past, let us help you love the skin you’re in with our wide array of scar removal treatments.
Whether as a result of trauma, acne, illness or surgery, scars may cause you to feel self-conscious about the appearance of your skin. No matter what they look like, scars interfere with the smooth and even toned complexion of the skin and can be a cosmetic embarrassment if they are in a visible location. Even scars safely hidden underneath clothing can become a nuisance if clothing rubs against them and causes irritation. Fortunately, treatments are available today to minimize the appearance of scars, giving you greater comfort and self-confidence.
Complete scar removal may not be possible, but the appearance of most scars can almost always be significantly improved. In many cases, the scar will become nearly invisible after treatment. Many techniques in scar removable are offered at Aesthetic Specialty Centre, allowing us to use one or more procedures to provide you with the best possible results in your scar reduction treatment.
Types of Scars
There are many different types of scars that can occur after trauma to the skin:
Keloid Scars – These scars consist of thick clusters of tissue that form around the wound but can also extend beyond the parameters of the original trauma.This type of scarring can occur with any skin tone and may develop even one year after the original trauma occurred.
Hypertrophic Scars – This type of scar resembles a keloid scar in terms of the thickness of the tissue and the protrusion above the skin’s surface. However, hypertrophic scars do not extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound. These scars appear in the weeks following the skin trauma and may actually improve on their own over time.
Atrophic Scars – Instead of protruding above the skin’s surface, atrophic scars depress into the skin to form a small crater or concave on the skin’s surface. This type of scarring is common after chicken pox or acne and are caused by tissue damage, rather than a buildup of tissue during the healing process.
All of these types of scars can be effectively minimized with the right treatment today. The treatment that works the best for you will depend on the size and type of scar and where the scar is located. Our staff at Aesthetic Specialty Centre will create a personalized scar treatment program customized for your desired results.
Scar Treatment Approaches
Scar treatment options currently available at Aesthetic Specialty Centre include:
Steroid Injections— For scars that are thick and raised, steroid injections can soften the tissue and then shrink the scar. This procedure takes just a few minutes to complete and does not require any type of anesthesia or downtime.
Dermal Fillers – Dermal fillers, such as Juvederm, Radiesse or Belotero can be injected into atrophic scars, raising them to the surface level of the skin and even out the skin’s appearance. Dermal filler injections also take just a few minutes to complete and involve no downtime afterward. However, the results are temporary and the procedure will need to be repeated at regular increments to maintain the positive results.
Chemical Peels – During a chemical peel, the top layer of skin is removed with acids typically found in plants or the human body. A new, rejuvenated top layer of skin is regenerated, with a noticeable reduction in the appearance of the scar. This procedure is especially effective for surface scars and only one treatment will be required in most cases to remove the scar completely.
Micro-needling – SkinPen –
Micro-needling, also referred to as collagen induction therapy can be very effective for treating a multitude of skin conditions including:
· Scars post-surgery including tummy tuck – post acne – breast reduction – burns –cuts and chicken pox
* * Fine Lines & Wrinkles
· Stretch marks
· Thinning hair
· Uneven texture & pigmentation including acne scar tissue
The treatment of micro-needing creates microscopic perforations into the skin – allowing your pores to open temporarily. Your skin then sends communication that this is a wound and or damage to the skin, which then sends a release of several growth factors which then activate the production of collagen and much needed elastin. The skin then reacts by encouraging the healing process. Healthy skin – creates more new collagen. Compromised – thin and sun damaged skin will create less collagen and elastin. Multiple treatments create an ongoing new chain of collagen & elastin being produced resulting in a positive end point.
The skin is actually made to believe that there is a need for continuing this healing process until the individual’s skin has been restored to the level of repair desired by the patient and the therapist. The healing process may continue to improve the appearance of the skin for several few months following each treatment. However, results in texture may be visible in as little as a few weeks. The cellular turnover of healthy skin is approximately 38-40 days, providing ongoing stimulation of collagen and elastin through follow-up treatments. The ideal protocol for noticeable results is specific to the patient – the skin care challenges presented with – goals of the patient as well as the care taken out side of the office visits.
Microdermabrasion – This is another method of skin exfoliation that utilizes a mechanical device rather than chemicals to remove the outer layers of skin cells. The tool gently sands away the uneven, damaged skin. It also helps to stimulate the body’s own collagen production for natural, long-lasting results.
Scar Revision Surgery – In some cases, surgical removal of the scar may be necessary. An excision involves cutting out the scar and then closing the incision using small sutures to minimize residual scarring. During a subcision, the bands underneath the scar that are holding it down and creating a depression are cut, creating a smoother appearance to the skin’s surface. A brief consultation with Dr. Marc Yune, MD. will help to determine the correct course of personalized treatment for your scar revision.
Scar Removal Procedure
The specific procedure will vary, based on the technique used to remove the scar. However, all of our scar treatments at Aesthetic Specialty Centre are performed on an outpatient basis and typically take one hour or less to complete. Some procedures may require a local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout treatment.
Scar Removal Recovery
The recovery period for scar removal varies, based on the specific treatment used. In most cases, patients are able to return to regular activities as soon as treatment is over. You may have some activity restrictions for a few days to give your treatment area time to heal, depending on the type of procedure performed and its location. Some techniques may require additional treatment sessions for continued improvement or to maintain the positive results you have achieved. Let our staff at Aesthetic Specialty Centre help you to look and feel your best!
To learn more about these and other treatment options for unsightly scars, contact Aesthetic Specialty Centre Plastic Surgery & Dermatology today. ASC-PSD is conveniently located near Atlanta, Georgia with locations in Roswell and Greensboro. Call (770) 393-9000 for the Roswell location, or (706) 467-6500 to contact the Greensboro office.
*The information about Scar Treatment was reviewed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Marc E. Yune. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.