Scars

Scars can be emotionally devastating for many people, leading to mental and emotional
complications. Scars can be disfiguring and aesthetically unpleasant. Side effects of
scarring may include: Treatment Options

Severe itching
Tenderness Learn more about treatment
options for scars
Pain
Sleep disturbances Dermabrasion
Anxiety and/or depression Soft-tissue fillers
Disruption of daily activities Laser/Light therapy
Punch grafting
Scars also may result in development of post-traumatic stress reactions, loss of self- Chemical peels
esteem and being stigmatized, leading to diminished quality of life. Physical deformity as Laser resurfacing
a result of skin scar contractures also can be functionally disabling. Fat transfers

What You Need To Know About Scars

Scarring is a natural part of the healing process after an injury. The scar’s appearance
and its treatment depend on multiple factors, including the depth and size of the wound,
its location, and the age, sex, ethnicity and genetics of the patient. These are several different types of scars, including:

Keloid scars: Resulting from an overly aggressive healing process, these scars extend beyond the site of the original injury.
They may hamper movement. They are most common among people with dark skin.
Contracture scars: These scars form on burned skin. As they tighten, they can impair movement. Scarring also goes deeper,
affecting muscles and nerves.
Hypertrophic scars: These are raised, red scars that are similar to keloids but do not go beyond the boundary of the injury.
Acne scars: Scars can range from deep pits to those that are angular or wavelike in appearance.

Do's And Don'ts

How you treat wounded skin can go a long way in preventing excessive
scarring.

Do...
Treat wounds promptly.Maintain constant pressure on wounds with special
bandages or special silicone sheeting. This will help flatten any resultant
scarring.Gently massage the scarred area once it is healed. Massaging
helps break down the dense bands of collagen from forming in underlying
tissue.Consider scar therapy for older scars, and for scarring that causes
you physical or emotional pain.

Don't...
Ignore a scar that becomes raised, itchy or red, which could be a sign of infection.
Swab wounds with hydrogen peroxide. It can damage nearby healthy skin.
Cover a cut. Allow it to breathe and form a hard scab, which will speed healing in the wounded area.
Treat a wound with vitamin E, which can impair healing.

Scar Removal Questions To Ask A Dermatologic Surgeon

(Download a Scar Questionnaire to bring to your appointment)

1. Which scar procedure is the correct one for me? (What are the options?)
2. What is the estimated cost of the procedure?
3. How long is one appointment?
4. How often will I need to receive treatment to remove my scars?
5. How far apart are the treatments?
6. What are the common side effects or complications associated with the procedure?
7. How can I prepare for the treatment/procedure?
8. Does scar removal hurt?
9. What are my pain management and anesthesia options?
10. How long is the recovery time associated with my procedure?
11. Do you have before-and-after patient images to help to prepare me for what to expect?
12. Will someone walk me through the process before going in for treatment?
13. What are the risks?
14. What should I expect after the procedure is performed? (i.e., short-term and long-term effects; activity restrictions; expected
recovery period)

General Questions To Ask Before Scar Procedures

1. Is a doctor on site?
2. Is the doctor board-certified in dermatology or in another specialty with equivalent training and experience?
3. Was my medical history taken?
4. Was I given an initial evaluation to determine if the technique or procedure is appropriate for my skin type?
5. Did the doctor show me before-and-after photos?