There is a wide range of treatments available for scars, but remember, THE BEST MANAGEMENT OF SCAR IS ITS PREVENTION BY INITIAL REPAIR OF WOUND ON THE VERY 1ST DAY OF WOUNDING BY AN EXPERT & EXPERIENCED PLASTIC SURGEON; THE RESULT MAY BE ALMOST INVISIBLE SCAR.

Surgery

Surgical scar revision can improve the appearance of scars to a great extent, however, no scar can ever be completely removed. Surgical scar revision results in a less obvious mark or hidden in crease. Each scar is different and each will require a different approach.

Silicone-containing products

Available as gels, creams and bandages through pharmacies. They are helpful in reducing scar thickness and pain.

Steroid Injections

Using a very fine needle, steroid is injected directly into the keloid or hypertrophic scar. Used with raised scars causing them to shrink and flatten.

Micro-dermabrasion or Full Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a method that uses an electrical machine to remove the top layers of the skin to give a more even and smooth contour to the surface of the skin. It can result in improvement of certain scars like ACNE Scar or scars due to childhood smallpox or chicken pox. However, it cannot get rid of the scar entirely.

Resurfacing lasers

Also referred to as peeling lasers, are an excellent method of improving acne scars and chicken pox scars. High-energy lasers are used to remove tissue, which is making the scars more visible. Patients can return to work usually within two weeks. The skin may remain pink for several weeks or months. This treatment is used in the treatment of wrinkles and sun-damaged skin. (Dark skin of Indian population is not very suitable for resurfacing laser, as they can lead to hyper pigmentation or dark discoloration of skin even after trivial exposure to sun rays or U.V. rays)

Non-resurfacing lasers

These lasers are very useful for reducing scar redness. They may flatten raised scars and can also improve itching and burning sensations. Acne scars can be improved with this type of therapy without any need for time off work.

Fillers

There are a number of these injectable materials that are particularly helpful with depressed scars. They are injected under scars to lift them up and decrease their appearance. Fillers are also used in the treatment of wrinkles.

Some specific techniques are used for the treatment of ACNE scarring are :

• • Subcision

This technique is used in depressed ACNE scars. A needle is inserted under the scar to lift the scar up.

• • Needling

This technique can be used in all ACNE scars. Needles are used to break the superficial skin layers, to stimulate a healing reaction resulting in a smoother appearance.

• • Fusiform Excisions

Deep small ACNE scars can be removed by cutting them out. Stitches are left in place for one week.

• • Punch Grafting

Punch grafts are small pieces of normal skin used to replace scarred skin. Small knives called punches are used to remove the scars. The area is then filled in with a matching piece of unscarred skin, usually taken from the skin behind the ear. The “plugs” are taped into place for five to seven days. Laser resurfacing one month later to achieve the smoothest result can follow a Punch grafting.