There are several options when one wants to reduce or eliminate existing scars. The possibility of eliminating or treating a scar depends primarily on its size, depth and age

Laser Surgery & Resurfacing

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

The redness of scars can be reduced by treatment with a vascular laser. Some have claimed that removing layers of skin with a carbon dioxide laser can help flatten scars, although this treatment is still highly experimental.

Steroid injections

A long term course of steroid injections under medical supervision, into the scar can help flatten and soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars.

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

Pressure garments

Pressure garments must 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 efficient on recent scars.

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

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

Radiotherapy

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

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion involves the elimination of the surface of the skin with special equipment and usually involves a general anaesthetic. It is useful when the lesion is raised above the nearby skin, but is less efficient with sunken scars.

Collagen injections

Collagen injections can be used to raise depressed scars to the level of nearby 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 a number of gel sheets available which are commonly elaborated from silicone, which can help to flatten and soften raised scars if worn regularly. Silicone, topical cortisone, occlusion, pressure and vitamin E have all been proven to decrease the collagen that forms scars. Patches and pads help but are unsightly so people tend to stop using them.

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