In certain occasions, the skin suffers an injury and the healing results in a scar. This can be on the face or body, small or large, with varying depth and thickness. Fortunately, there are plastic surgery procedures, laser treatments, dermabrasion, and also creams that can greatly improve its appearance. However, it should be noted that not all methods have the same results for removing scars.
To know which of these remedies is best, it is necessary to understand the type of scar, whether it is recent, its size, shape, and the area of the body where it is located.
Some areas are more sensitive than others, and certain ways of removing scars may not be recommended for specific skin areas. So, let’s describe how to remove them in several ways, whether they belong to the keloid or hypertrophic group.
What is a keloid scar?
It appears like other types, but instead of healing normally, it does so excessively, meaning that after the skin injury, the scar tissue grows larger. Its shape is large and thick, with a rough texture that can sometimes be unpleasant. It usually grows beyond the edge of the initial wound.
The causes of keloid scars are the abnormal formation of collagen, which is responsible for repairing connective tissue after the injury.
What is a hypertrophic scar?
After suffering an injury, the skin tends to heal in different ways. Sometimes it can heal leaving a small mark, while other times, there is an overgrowth of scar tissue. Instead of being smooth and even, the result is a hypertrophic scar with an elevated shape. Its size does not exceed the original wound’s line.
They respond well to treatment with silicone and laser.
Atrophic scar
When the skin becomes thinner, with a light or pink color, and instead of rising, it sinks, it is called an atrophic scar.
These connective tissue lesions, over time, change to a white color, always maintaining the appearance of a sunken scar.
It can grow outside the initial wound and responds well to filler with hyaluronic acid and certain types of fractional lasers (ablative and non-ablative).
Types of Treatments to Remove Scars
As we have mentioned in the introduction of the article, there are surgical procedures, a scar removal operation that requires the intervention of a surgeon, or non-invasive treatments. The latter include treatments where the skin is treated with a machine or through the application of different creams to remove scars, acids, and moisturizing cosmetics to improve the regeneration of scar tissue.
It is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations after a deep injury to prevent scar formation. Generally, for aesthetic surgery, silicone gel or strips are recommended, but other methods may be suggested to prevent the appearance of keloid, hypertrophic, or atrophic scars.
Depending on the type of scar tissue, various methods may be used, or you may need to focus on just a few. Let’s look at the scar removal treatments:
- Laser.
- Microdermabrasion.
- Carboxytherapy with CO2.
- Plastic surgery or excision through surgery.
- Peeling.
- Creams.
- Injections.
- Radiation.
- Radiofrequency or Fraxel laser.
- Cryotherapy (may cause hyperpigmentation in dark skin).
- PRP or platelet-rich plasma.
* To remove a keloid scar, the most effective techniques are laser, cryotherapy or cold application, corticosteroid injections, external pressure, and plastic surgery. It should be mentioned that they usually reduce in size but often leave a trace.
* To remove a hypertrophic scar, laser treatment is effective, and many of the recommended treatments can reduce its size.
To erase an atrophic scar, the application of several sessions of ablative or non-ablative fractional laser is recommended, depending on each case. Additionally, to improve the appearance of the depression, hyaluronic acid can be used, a substance that will fill the tissue depression and match the level of the rest of the skin.
Generally, these are the recommended medical and dermatological procedures, but each person may require different forms of therapy to improve skin quality and thus blur and reduce scar tissue to the maximum. So, let’s explain the most effective methods for scars.
Laser
Perhaps one of the most notable treatments. It is used by both men and women, and there are several cutting-edge categories. Currently, there are different types of lasers specifically focused on treating and removing small skin marks. In this sense, you can find everything from CO2 laser with very good results in some scar-related conditions to various frequencies that create a somewhat different effect.
It is indicated for treating acne marks, surgical scars, wound scars, and most of them.
It should be used by a doctor, who must have a specific device.
Microdermabrasion
It is a medical procedure that removes the outer layer of the skin. By sweeping with different tips, it can smooth and remove marks on the face, stains, and the marking of old surgery sutures. There are different versions, such as diamond or aluminum, and it is widely used to improve the appearance of the face, although it can also be used to treat other areas of the human body.
The microdermabrasion treatment works in one session, and you can find both professional and at-home versions. If you have old, poorly healed scars in sensitive areas, it is recommended to visit an aesthetic clinic for guidance on the necessary steps.
Carboxytherapy
On the medical side, you can find a completely different way to heal skin tissue. Instead of scraping or removing the outer covering, carboxytherapy for scar removal works from within the skin.
Through the introduction of CO2 via a fine cannula, this gas offers various properties to regenerate collagen synthesis and force the different layers of the skin to renew themselves.
This method of scar removal has fewer visible side effects compared to laser or microdermabrasion since it works beneath the skin. Results are not immediate and gradually, from the inside out, the changes begin to show.
This treatment is widely used for stretch marks, as they are somewhat of a scar due to the tearing of connective tissue fibers in the dermis. Dermal fibrosis can improve quite a bit.
Plastic Surgery
It has various methods for improving the appearance of a person. Generally, through the removal of scar tissue, it is possible to recover some of the skin quality it had before.
Through advanced plastic surgery techniques for scars to avoid leaving marks and combining it with cosmetic use during recovery, it is quite likely to greatly improve the appearance of the scar.
This type of treatment is commonly used when there are large scars from surgery or severe dermatological issues.
Facial and Body Peeling
Peeling sits between the two fields that treat this type of scar tissue. It can be performed deeply by a doctor or much more gently at home.
For a facial peeling for acne marks, different types of AHA and BHA acids can be used, which, depending on the concentration, time, and repetition of the chemical peel over the months, can achieve an effect very similar to microdermabrasion and laser.
Peeling is a treatment that removes layers of the epidermis, aiming to reduce imperfections in the formation of new skin. It can be used both on the face and the body, although it has very good results against acne scars.
Obviously, depending on the condition of each person, one or the other may be recommended, as its application can have contraindications and side effects.
Creams
There are different cosmetic products focused on improving the skin. Scar removal creams may contain active ingredients similar to those in peeling but at much lower concentrations, making their effects milder.
They are recommended for medium- and long-term use, and are generally combined with stronger treatments in cases where marks or stretch marks are abundant.
Some of these creams contain salicylic acid, retinoic acid, and a combination of exfoliants, oils, and mucopolysaccharides to reinforce the creation of new collagen and connective tissue. You can buy scar creams from various brands, just like rosehip oil, aloe vera, and different moisturizing products that will help improve recovery when the scar is still recent.
How to Choose the Best Treatment for Scar Removal
First, it is important to differentiate between small marks and those that are truly an aesthetic problem for the person. The former can be treated with either home remedies or medical treatments, but in cases where there is a large, unsightly mark that affects the patient’s sociability, professional methods should be sought.
In all cases, it is important to be cautious because improper handling or exposure to different therapies can worsen how the lines look or even damage the skin surrounding the scar.
It is important to know what type of scar you have and follow the recommendations based on it. A keloid responds differently than a hypertrophic scar, and therefore, the approach to treating them will be different.
If you have doubts about improving the appearance of your skin, we advise you to consult with a dermatologist, a clinic specialized in scars, and only try well-tested cosmetic products.
Good day, I have an atrophic scar from chickenpox for more than 20 years across my forehead. I would like to remove it or improve its appearance. Where can I go for a medical consultation that you could recommend in Bogotá, Colombia? Thank you.
A plantar scar, due to a metatarsal surgery, and every day it becomes harder to walk, what would be the solution?
Hello, I have an atrophic scar on my entire right thigh and would like to fill it in. In an accident, I lost skin and tissue, and when it healed, it became depressed… Would carboxytherapy or hyaluronic acid be sufficient?
A plantar scar, due to a metatarsal surgery, and every day it becomes harder to walk, what would be the solution?
Hello, my daughter has a small scar on her face that forms a groove when she smiles. I would like to know if it can be corrected with laser, it is hypertrophic and hard.
Hello, I have a leg with many keloid scars due to several surgeries from muscle and skin loss, it affects me psychologically to this day. I would like to know what I can do to conceal them since they are very old and which specialist I should consult.
Hello Merci, you can see a dermatologist or go to a private clinic where they offer laser treatments for scars, cryotherapy, carboxytherapy, etc. We’ve mentioned a few treatments that work really well. What’s important is to assess the condition of your leg scars to recommend the best option for you.
Hello, I had thyroid surgery, and in my first operation, I saw that my scar became keloid. After two years, they tell me they have to operate again because there were some nodules that weren’t seen initially, and the scar is now larger, which makes me self-conscious because people comment that I was mugged, and I always wear a scarf.
Alexandra, approach one of the clinics so they can recommend a treatment, and based on the price they provide, you can decide if you want to proceed. Some scars do not completely disappear if they are very large and deep, but there are treatments to make scars much less noticeable, helping you feel better about yourself.
Good afternoon, I have a keloid scar from a cesarean section. I’d like to know how to remove it for aesthetic reasons as it makes me feel bad. Thank you.
I have hypertrophic scars on my forehead. Please recommend a specialized clinic for these scars in Paterson, NJ, or anywhere in NJ.
Good afternoon, I developed a boil on my forearm about a month and a half ago, but it left a pink scar that won’t fade. How can I remove it or at least lighten it to match my skin color?
Regards.
Laser treatment could work.
I have a scar on the left side of my upper lip from years ago after I had plastic surgery, and my skin is lighter in that area than the rest. What can I do to normalize the tone of my skin? Can peeling correct it and how much would it cost in Arequipa? Please provide the address.
Hello Hector, in many cases, the skin is lighter after an injury. Peeling works well to even out skin tone, though that area may still be different. What works best is to remove the scar tissue with one of the treatments we’ve mentioned.
Hello, my 2-year-old son had a tracheostomy. What is the right treatment? His scar has some keloid in part of it, and the middle is sunken.
Hello Ana, it’s likely that two types of treatments will be needed for those scars. However, since he’s young, as he grows, the scars may disappear, if not completely, at least partially.
Hello, I recently had a C-section, and my skin is fibrous with keloid scarring. Since it’s recent, can I use something to prevent skin bulging at the wound site? What would it be?
Rosehip oil works well for scars. You can also massage the area deeply to prevent the scar tissue from sticking together and forming “lumps,” once it’s fully healed. Use a moisturizing cream when you’re not using the oil.
Hello, I had upper and lower blepharoplasty a year ago. The upper one healed perfectly, but the lower one on one of my eyes has a scar well below the lash line, making it very noticeable, and it’s very white with little red veins around it. The surgeon says it will improve over time and offers no other solution. I’ve been using rosehip oil and silicone cream, but it’s getting more visible and looks worse. What do you recommend?
What you are applying is the right treatment. Avoid sun exposure as it will make the scar more pronounced, but over time it should reduce.
I have hypertrophic scars on my nose due to acne. The dermatologist initially injected them, but I didn’t see results. Now he’s suggested CO2 laser treatment. Is this a good option for this type of scar?
Hello Gustavo, laser treatment for scars works very well. The results are great in a short amount of time. Depending on the depth, bulging, or type of scar, it can almost completely remove them.
Rosehip oil didn’t help me; my scar got more swollen.
Usually, after a few weeks, you can see how the scar reduces. It’s a slow process, but it works little by little. Was it a new scar? Just asking in case it was still forming scar tissue, and if it coincided with the application of rosehip oil, it might have caused the swelling. Anyway, thanks for the information, María.
I had a car accident and now have large scars on my face. What would be the best treatment to remove these scars?
The best option is for a specialist to assess it and guide you. Laser works very well for scars, but as I mentioned, it’s important to check if they are just scars. If there’s facial indentation, it might also be necessary to apply a facial filler like hyaluronic acid in combination. Peeling also works well if the facial scar isn’t very pronounced.
Hello,
I have a small keloid scar from a cat scratch under my lower eyelid. I am using trifolastin and a corticosteroid cream that the dermatologist prescribed. Over time, what treatment would help to make it less noticeable? Dermabrasion or laser?
Doctor, I have a keloid on my shoulder. What concerns me most is my ear, which has recently started to develop a keloid little by little from a piercing. I got the piercing over 4 years ago, had it covered, and it’s only now starting to form a keloid in that area. I would like to know what I can do. I hope you can respond as soon as possible. I am 18 years old, and I don’t want this to form. Please, I hope to hear from you soon.
Good morning, my 16-year-old son had breast reduction surgery for gynecomastia by liposuction, along with areola reduction, a year and a half ago. Two weeks ago, the edge of his right areola began to turn red, became swollen, and itches, and three days ago, the left one started the same process. I don’t understand why this is happening after so much time, and what I can do. I took him to the surgeon who operated on him, and he didn’t provide a solution. I am applying rosehip oil, and every day I put collagen patches on, but I don’t see any improvement. Thank you for any help you can offer.
The same thing happened to me about a year and a half or two years after the surgery: itching, swelling, redness around the edges of the areolas and outside. What could it be—scarring, fibrosis? What’s the solution? What cream would be best? Thank you.
It could be that a keloid is forming, or the skin cells are trying to regenerate the tissue from the scar, which may cause itching. Rosehip oil is very good for eliminating scars and preventing new ones. If there’s itching, a cream with aloe vera or something like Bepanthol, which are topical soothing creams, would help.
If the scar changes color and the itching persists or there’s swelling, it would be good for the dermatologist to examine it just in case. Sometimes the tissue regenerates after the wound has closed, which causes the itching, and it also needs hydration. The important thing is that it doesn’t look bad, but if the itching continues, it’s worth visiting the doctor just to be sure.
A few years ago, I developed lumps at the corners of my mouth due to a bad procedure with hyaluronic acid or Botox about 30 years ago. I lost weight, and they are more noticeable now. Is it possible to eliminate them with laser or another procedure? My smile looks distorted, and I don’t feel well about it.
To eliminate hyaluronic acid, there is hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down the molecules. Given the time frame you mentioned, it should have been absorbed completely, but it seems like it may have encapsulated, forming small hard balls that the body can’t penetrate, so it can’t eliminate them. The issue is knowing the type of treatment you had to determine which method to use. Both hyaluronic acid and Botox are temporary, except in the case I mentioned. If you have another product, it might be permanent and would need to be removed with micro-surgery, but it’s important to know what injectable was used.
Hello, I’m Elizabeth. Three months ago, I burned my leg with hot oil, and the scar is very dark and raised. I don’t know what to do.
If there are no open wounds, you can start using rosehip oil, which is excellent for regenerating the skin. In the meantime, you can consider if you want or can undergo some of the treatments we’ve mentioned. Apply it daily, and you’ll see how it improves, although it’s slow, it helps a lot with marks left by herpes on the torso, surgical scars, stretch marks, etc. If the burn is large, it will help it become less noticeable after a few months, but you’ll probably still have it, though much less noticeable than if you leave it untreated.
Among the treatments available, you could consider a peeling, which removes the superficial layers of the skin. Sometimes, several sessions are needed, about one per month or every two months. Laser treatment works great… but it all depends, as I said, on the size and location. If it’s recent and bothers you to see it, treating it sooner usually provides better results, as the skin tends to regenerate much better when the damage is fresh rather than after a long time. Older scars tend to be harder to eliminate.
Hello
How to care for a chickenpox scar on a 10-year-old girl?
At her age, it’s likely that the scar will fade on its own over time. You can apply a bit of rosehip oil on the scar area to help with skin regeneration. You’ll need to apply it for several weeks.
Hello, my daughter had an appendicitis surgery 4 months ago, and she has a fairly large and raised scar. Is it possible to treat it? Should we wait longer? They told us at least 6 months.
If the wound is closed, apply a little rosehip oil on the area every day to help with skin renewal. This will make it smaller. After a few months, she might need laser treatment or something similar, but if it’s already healed, for now, just use the oil with a gentle massage.