Scars are impossible to completely eliminate; however, you and your plastic surgeon can take steps to improve (reduce) their appearance. For most procedures, incisions may be made in a skin fold or within an area commonly covered by clothing so the resulting scar will not be visible. Improving the healing conditions will minimize the appearance of scars. If a scar already exists, it is important to understand what type of scar it is so you use the most effective treatment strategy.

Depressed scars

Isolated depressed scars can be treated with subcision, a method by which a sharp instrument is inserted just below the incision and is gently worked back and forth to release the scar. New collagen will form in the depressed area, thereby elevating the depressed surface of the scar. In cases where there are several such scars as a result of acne, then subcision combined with Autologous Fat Transfer may be required. In the case of acne scars, the surface skin is also affected and therefore CO2 Laser with dermabrasion will be required.

Raised scars

These can be very difficult scars to deal with. It is therefore very important to distinguish between a scar that is raised because it didn't heal under ideal conditions and keloid scars. Keloid scars can be very difficult to deal. Keloid scars are red, raised and sometimes itchy resulting from excessive collagen growth. Keloid scars can be managed with cortisone injections or Intensed Pulsed Light(IPL) treatments.

Hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic nonkeloid raised scars respond well to topical Scar Guard and Kelo-Cote. Although, the scar is primarily raised, in certain instances it may also be hyperpigmented. Hyperpigmented and hypertrophic scars respond well to Scar Guard Lightner. When the degree of pigmentation is more resistant, this treatment may be supplemented with prescription strength skin lightener such as Obagi Clear. The effect of Obagi Clear can be enhanced with Microdermabrasion, which gently abrades the superficial skin making it smoother and allowing more of the potent medication to penetrate the skin. Injection of cortisone into the scar can also be helpful.

Wide unattractive scars

Scars formed under less than optimum conditions, such as an infection or improperly sutured margins, may require a revision procedure to correct. Techniques such as a z- or w-plasty can improve or change the direction of these scars or reposition them in a natural crease.

Alternatives

Your surgeon can prevent the presence of unattractive scars by choosing less invasive procedures or procedures that result in less scarring such as a Midface Lift, Browlift and Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation. These procedures cause minimal scarring and the scars are often concealed in inconspicuous places such as behind the hairline or umbilicus.