Scar reduction treatments are designed to minimise the appearance of scars caused by injuries, surgeries, burns, or other skin traumas. These treatments can involve various methods, depending on the type, size, and location of the scar, as well as the patient's skin type and overall health.
1. Topical Treatments: Creams, gels, and silicone sheets applied to the scar can help improve its appearance. These are typically used for minor scars and may include ingredients like corticosteroids or silicone.
2. Injections: Steroid injections can help reduce the size and redness of hypertrophic or keloid scars. Filler injections are also sometimes used to elevate sunken scars to match the surrounding skin.
3. Laser Therapy: Laser treatments, such as fractional laser or pulsed dye laser, are used to resurface the skin, reduce redness, and smooth out the scar.
4. Microneedling: This technique involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulates collagen production and helps improve the texture of the scar.
5. Surgical Revision: For larger or more complex scars, surgical removal or revision may be necessary. The scar is excised, and the skin is carefully sutured to reduce the likelihood of a new scar forming.
6. Chemical Peels: These involve applying a chemical solution to the scarred area to remove the top layers of skin, promoting the growth of new, smoother skin.