Though scarring is nature's way for the body to heal itself when injured, sometimes the scars can prove to be either bothersome and/or unsightly.  That's when revision of them may prove advantageous.  To develop a scar, the injury must go below a certain layer of dermis (the foundation of the skin).  That's why a scratch won't produce a visible scar.  Though certain skin types heal better than others, once a scar always a scar.  It is the role of the plastic and/or cosmetic surgeon to make them look their best.

The body, while recovering from such an insult, will initially heal itself and then begin to remodel the area of scar over and over again until it is satisfied with its integrity and appearance.  Most of the time, the body does an excellent job of repairing itself, however, sometimes the healing is delayed and requires help.  In other instances, the body does too good a job of healing and requires intervention.  Regardless, the majority of scar formation proceeds without the need for surgical revision and keeping them moist while healing will shorten their healing time.  Taping them with paper tape, when appropriate, will prevent their widening and maximize their appearance.

Occasionally, my patients will want discoloration of a scar improved.  If light in color or hypopigmented, the pigment cells within the skin has been lost or diminished in number and the area of lightness may need to be surgically removed and closed or it may be improved by dermal tatooing with a neutral flesh colored tone.  If the scar is to dark, the dichotomy that exists between it and the surrounding skin can be improved with a strong bleaching cream or the use of a fractionated laser beam if surgical revision is not warranted. 

Other treatment modalities include dermabrasion (my favorite), chemical peels (not as effective) and lPL and/or laser treaments.  If you or a loved one may benefit from one of these corrective procedures of an undesirable scar, please call us at your convenience.