Including raised scars, red scars, acne scars, etc.
What can be done to treat scars?
Please see below for our detailed treatment options!
- Intralesional Steroids (for raised scars)
- Microneedling
- CO2 Laser Resurfacing
- 1540 nm Laser
- Excision
- Pulse Dyed Laser (PDL) for Red Scars
- Chemical Peeling
- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (for depressed scars)
Intralesional Steroids (for raised scars)
Frequently asked questions:
How does this treatment work?
- These steroids are injected directly into the scar tissue and can decrease the size and thickness of a scar.
How long does it take to see results?
- It may require 3-6 months after intralesional steroids are administered to see results. In addition, multiple treatments are often required to see improvement.
How long do the results last?
- The results of intralesional steroids on scar reduction are permanent. Multiple treatments are required.
Is there an expected recovery time or post-procedure downtime?
- No, there is no recovery time or post-procedure downtime with intralesional steroids.
Microneedling
Frequently asked questions:
How does this treatment work?
- Microneedling makes extremely small punctures in the skin which physically break up scar tissue and also stimulate collagen production, reducing the appearance of scarring.
How long does it take to see results?
- It takes several months to see results. Multiple treatments are recommended, with a recommendation of at least three treatments.
Is there an expected recovery time or post-procedure downtime?
- No. The skin will return to a “normal” appearance within 1-2 days.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
How does this treatment work?
- The CO2 laser uses focused beams of light to penetrate the skin’s surface. This promotes collagen production and scar remodeling.
How long does it take to see results?
- Scar improvement is gradually seen with treatment. However, multiple treatments may be required to achieve optimal results.
How long do the results last?
- Once improved, the scars appearance should remain stable unless traumatized again post-treatment.
Is there an expected recovery time or post-procedure downtime?
- A patient can expect a recovery time of between 1-3 weeks.
1540 nm Laser
How does this treatment work?
- Without ablating (“burning”) the skin, this laser deposits narrow columns of energy into the skin which facilitate collagen remodeling.
How long does it take to see results?
- The results from 1540 nm laser treatment will appear progressively over time. Depending on the degree of scarring, multiple treatments may be recommended.
How long do the results last?
- Once improved, the scars should remain stable unless repeat trauma has occurred.
Is there an expected recovery time or post-procedure downtime?
- No; however, a patient should avoid excessive heat, sun exposure, and other possible irritants after the procedure, in order to minimize the risk of dyspigmentation.
Excision
How does this treatment work?
- This treatment option involves a dermatologist surgically removing a scar and then closing the skin, allowing for reposition of the original scar along natural lines of the skin.
How long does it take to see results?
- The original scar is removed at the time of surgery, but sutures will remain in place in the surgical site for 7-14 days, depending on the location of the procedure.
How long do the results last?
- The original scar will be permanently removed with this procedure.
Is there an expected recovery time or post-procedure downtime?
- There is an expected recovery time of 1-2 weeks after excision of scarring, until the sutures are removed.
Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) (for red scars)
How does this treatment work?
- The Pulsed Dye Laser is predominantly used for red/pink scars. This laser uses concentrated beams of light that target blood vessels in the skin. This treatment reduces the redness is the scar and also stimulates collagen remodeling.
How long does it take to see results?
- Improvement is gradual, but multiple treatments may be needed.
How long do the results last?
- Once improved, the scar’s color should remain stable post-treatment.
Is there an expected recovery time or post-procedure downtime?
- No, although some patients may develop bruising or minor swelling post-pulsed dye laser.
Chemical Peeling
How does this treatment work?
- Chemical peeling is predominantly used to reduce the appearance of acne scarring. Chemical peels selectively destroy the top layer of skin and allow for growth of new healthy skin. Post-treatment, the skin appears smoother and less scarred in appearance.
How long does it take to see results?
- This depends on the type of peel performed.
How long do the results last?
- Result durations vary depending on the type of chemical peel used.
Is there an expected recovery time or post-procedure downtime?
- Depending on the type of chemical peel performed, a patient can expect no downtime or up to 14 days of post-procedure downtime and recovery time.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (for depressed scars)
How does this treatment work?
- Hyaluronic acid fillers fill the areas of the skin that have lost volume due to scarring. They also can substantially reduce the appearance of acne scarring by making sunken scars appear less depressed when compared to the rest of the surrounding skin.
How long does it take to see results?
- In suitable scars, the improvement after hyaluronic filler inject is seen immediately after treatment.
How long do the results last?
- The duration of results varies by scar location and the hyaluronic acid filler which is used.
Is there an expected recovery time or post-procedure downtime?
- No.