Fortunately, there are a lot of options for scar removal. You no longer have to depend on surgical alternatives to get smoother skin. Here's an overview of the different types of resurfacing techniques you can choose from to get rid of your scars.

Laser Therapy for Scar Removal

Even though laser therapy isn't known to completely eliminate scars, it is can help you achieve noticeable scar reduction. In fact, there are a wide variety of lasers that are used to treat different skin problems.

Hypertrophic & Keloid Scars

These types of scars are usually treated with pulse dye lasers (PDL). If necessary, topical, local anesthesia is used. If the PDL is to be used on sensitive areas (lips, fingers, etc), the doctor may suggest intralesional anesthesia.

This procedure may produce a few side effects, such as redness or rashes. If this does occur you needn't worry because they will quickly disappear. If the problem persists; you should consult with your doctor.

Normal hypertrophic scars may require from two to four sessions. Keloid scars, however, may require more sessions.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks can be treated with lower energy PDLs. This type of treatment should not produce as many side effects as a higher energy PDL and you will probably only need to undergo one or two treatments before seeing positive results..

Atrophic Scars

If you are trying to treat atrophic scars, then your best bet are ablative lasers. Both carbon dioxide lasers and Er:YAG lasers are a very common form of treatment for raised scars. Because this type of scar treatment is more precise than other resurfacing techniques, it will offer better results and produce less collateral damage.

Other Resurfacing Alternatives

Chemical Peels

Chemicals peels have been used for ages to help remove skin imperfections such as blemishes and scars. This type of treatment consists in the use of different chemicals to remove different layers of the skin. For example, deep chemical peels help remove the epidermis as well as part of the dermis, while a light chemical peel will only remove the epidermis.

These treatments usually require up to two weeks of recovery time. The skin will crust over. When the scabs fall off, the skin underneath will be smoother and younger looking.

Dermabrasion

This type of procedure uses an abrasive tool or particles to "sand off" the skin. As with chemical peels, dermabrasion can achieve a safe and effective scar removal if done under the proper supervision and care. This means that anyone that is going to undergo this type of procedure should do it under medical supervision.

Scar Creams

Scar creams not only help eliminate damaged tissue, it can also promote good scar healing. If you want to help a scar heal properly then the scar removal cream should be applied as soon as the wound has closed. Nevertheless, if you want to remove a scar, then you will need to be consistent with its application.