Different Types of Scars and How to Treat Them

Here’s how to Treat Acne Scars

Everyone has at least one scar. Some are barely visible, while others are hard to miss. Scars are caused by a variety of factors. That includes injury, trauma, and even acne.

Regardless of the reason for the scar, prominent scarring can interfere with healthy self-esteem. In fact, some research finds that people with scars may have a higher risk of anxiety and depression.

Fortunately, there are new and innovative treatments that can help minimize the appearance of scars, restoring both self-esteem and proper bodily function.

Let’s talk about the kinds of scars and how they can be treated.

How Do Scars Form?

Scars occur as part of the healing process after an injury. Anytime the skin is opened, such as due to trauma, or acne, tissue rebuilds at the site to close the injury and heal the skin.

This scar tissue is made of collagen and grows after an accident, injury, surgery, or other trauma to the skin. Scars can form anywhere on the body, though many fade away with time.

Other scars may stick around for a while. The more severe the injury, the larger and more prominent the scar is likely to be. Likewise, the care received can impact the appearance of the scar.

Types of Scars

The type of scar you have also plays a role in how it looks and the appropriate method of treating it.

If you have a scar you’d like to have treated, let your skin specialist have a look at it. Proper diagnosis of the type of scar you have will help direct you toward the appropriate way to treat it.

Read below for some of the most common types of scars.

Keloid Scars

Keloid scars are usually thick and raised and may extend beyond the borders of the injury itself. They are usually darker in colour than the surrounding skin, making them quite noticeable.

After an injury, collagen production at the site increases, but often to a higher degree than necessary. Often, keloid scars are so thick and dense that they can interfere with proper movement.

This type of scar can occur anywhere on the body. However, they are most common on the chest, ears, back, and shoulders.

Contracture Scars

This type of scar occurs after a burn. They often extend much deeper into the skin than other kinds of scars. That can result in damage to the muscles and nerves as well.

As contracture scars heal, they reduce the amount of skin in the area. That results in tightness that can decrease the normal range of motion, as well as hinder the function of tendons, joints, and muscles.

Hypertrophic Scars

Similar to keloid scars, the hypertrophic type is raised. However, this kind of scar won’t extend past the site of the injury. Its presence is due to incorrect healing.

Hypertrophic scars typically occur due to trauma on the skin. That might be due to a burn or as the result of surgery and are usually found in areas with taut skin.

Like other kinds of scars, this type can interfere with proper movement.

Acne Scars

Another common type of scar happens as a result of acne. This usually happens with severe acne. The occasional pimple likely won’t leave you with scarring.

Acne scars can appear differently. For some people, they look like pitting or holes in the skin. For others, it leaves the surface of the face with wavelike scars.

What Types of Treatments are Available?

Scar treatment isn’t a one size fits all option. The method you choose depends on the type and severity of your scar. See a skin specialist to discuss your options and what might be best suited to your needs.

In the meantime, let’s explore some of your choices.

Microneedling

This process involves piercing the skin with very small needles. It’s done by rolling a device over the surface of the scar.

The purpose of microneedling treatment is to activate healing, which can often help improve the look and feel of scar tissue on places throughout the body.

Laser Treatment

Perhaps one of the most common treatment methods, laser therapy uses light to target the blood vessels. As the light cauterizes them, scars begin to lighten in colour and flatten in appearance.

Some kinds of lasers break up the collagen that makes up the scar. When that happens, the area becomes more flexible, increasing the range of motion and function at the scar site.

IPL

IPL, or intense pulsed light, is an ideal treatment for both hypertrophic and keloid scars. Research shows that nearly 93 per cent of patients saw an improvement in the appearance of their scar after IPL treatment.

This treatment method is proven to shrink the size and shape of scars, while also improving their colour.

Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is an ideal choice for treating acne scars. It works by shaving the skin, which effectively removes the top layers of skin.

It’s also a good way to keep pores clear so you can prevent future outbreaks. Don’t try dermaplaning if you have an active acne outbreak.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is another great way to treat acne scars. Like dermaplaning, the process removes the top layers of skin and is one of the treatments that help reduce scarring.

What You Should Consider Before Booking Your Appointment

The most important consideration when you plan to book treatment is the type of scar you have. This plays a large role in which treatment method is your best choice.

Questions to Ask

Here are some questions to ask before you undergo scar treatment:

• What results can I expect?
• How long will the treatment take?
• What are the side effects?
• Will it be painful?
• How much does it cost?

This will help you learn what to expect from your skin specialist. Once you know more about how it works, you’ll feel more comfortable with your options and the entire process.

Results You Want

Ultimately, you want to see a scar that is lighter in colour so it’s not so prominent. You also want to improve the range of motion in the area so the scar isn’t interfering with your day-to-day activities.

Sessions You’ll Need

This depends on the treatment you choose. For example, a light chemical peel may need to be repeated weekly or monthly, while a deeper one means going up to six months between treatments.

Microneedling can be done much more often, as can dermaplaning. Laser therapy may require several sessions to get the results you want.

Your skin specialist can help you determine how many sessions you need and how far apart to space them.

Treating Your Scars the Right Way

Understanding the type of scars you have is the biggest factor in choosing the right treatment.

No matter what kind of scar you have, we’re here to help. Contact us today to set up your first appointment