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There are several options when one wants to reduce or eliminate existing scars. The depth, size, and age of the scar are the determining factors in the success of any treatment

Laser Surgery & Resurfacing

The use of lasers on scars is a revolutionary treatment option. The safety or effectiveness of this method has not yet been proven.

The redness of scars may be minimized by treatment with a vascular laser. Some have claimed that eliminating layers of skin with a carbon dioxide laser may help flatten scars, although this treatment is still mainly experimental.

Steroid injections

A long term treatment of steroid injections under medical guidance, into the scar may help flatten and soften the look of keloid or hypertrophic scars.

The steroid is administered into the scar itself and very little is taken into the blood stream. Side effects of this treatment are minimal. This treatment is repeated at 4-6 week intervals.

Pressure garments

Pressure garments should be used only under surveillance by a medical expert. They are most often employed for burn scars that cover a large area, this treatment is only effective on recent scars.

Pressure garments are commonly custom-made from elastic materials, and fit tightly around the lesion. They serve best when they are used 24 hours a day for six to twelve months.

It is believed that they work by applying regular pressure to surface blood vessels and eventually causing scars to flatten and become softer.

Radiotherapy

Low-dose, superficial radiotherapy, is used to avoid re-appearance of severe keloid and hypertrophic scars. It is commonly effective, but only used in extreme cases due to the danger of long-term side effects.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion involves the removal of the surface of the skin with special equipment and usually involves a general anaesthetic. It is useful when the scar is raised above the surrounding skin, but is less effective with sunken scars.

Collagen injections

Collagen injections can be useful to raise depressed scars to the level of surrounding skin. This is, however, a temporary scar treatment option, and it requires regular injections. There is also a risk in some patients of an allergic reaction.

Other treatments

There are also several of gel sheets available which are commonly elaborated from silicone, which can aid to flatten and soften raised scars if used regularly. Silicone, topical cortisone, occlusion, pressure and vitamin E have all been shown to decrease the collagen that creates scars. Patches and pads help but are ugly so people tend to stop using them.

A popular treatment among plastic surgeons is silicone gel that enhances the look of scars and avoids abnormal or excessive scar formation. Also chemical peels done by a specialist using glycolic acid can be used to reduce acne scarring.