There are several options when one wants to reduce or eliminate existing scars. The success of any of these treatments depends on the size, depth, and age of the scar

Laser Surgery & Resurfacing

The use of lasers on scars is a revolutionary treatment option. The safety or effectiveness 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 eliminating layers of skin with a carbon dioxide laser can help flatten scars, although this treatment is still mainly experimental.

Steroid injections

A long term course of steroid injections under professional guidance, into the scar can help flatten and soften the look of keloid or hypertrophic scars.

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

Pressure garments

Pressure garments should be used only under surveillance by a medical expert. They are most often used for burn scars that cover a large area, this treatment is only effective on new scars.

Pressure garments are commonly custom-fabricated from elastic materials, and fit tightly around the scarring. They work best when they are used 24 hours a day for six months to one year.

It is thought that they work by applying constant pressure to surface blood vessels and eventually making scars flatten and become softer.

Radiotherapy

Low-dose, superficial radiotherapy, is used to avoid re-appearance of severe keloid and hypertrophic scarring. It is commonly effective, but only used in extreme cases due to the danger of long-term side effects.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion means the elimination of the surface of the skin with special instruments and usually involves a general anaesthetic. It is useful when the lesion is raised above the surrounding skin, but is less effective with sunken scars.

Collagen injections

Collagen injections can be used to raise sunken scars to the level of surrounding 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 response.

Other treatments

There are also a number of gel sheets available which are commonly made from silicone, which can aid to flatten and soften raised scars if used regularly. Silicone, occlusion, pressure, topical cortisone and vitamin E have all been shown to decrease the collagen that creates 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 look of scars and avoids abnormal or excessive scar formation. Also chemical peels performed by a specialist using glycolic acid can be used to minimize acne scarring.