Ask Dr. Man- Scar Issues

Dear Dr, Man, I have some scars that I would really like to get rid of. I have one on my face from an injury I had when I was a kid. I also have a scar on my arm from elbow surgery I had a few years ago. The scar on my arm looks like it’s raised up and the one on my face makes me embarrassed to take pictures. I’ve tried various creams, but nothing seems to work. Is there surgery or other treatments available to get rid of these scars? Signed, Scarred in Boca Raton

Dear Scarred, The good news is that treatment for scars has come a long way in plastic surgery. Today, plastic surgeons have many different tools at their disposal to reduce and treat scars on practically every part of the body through special scar removal techniques.

First, let’s understand what a scar is. A scar is an overgrowth of fibrous tissue and blood vessels that form as a result of an injury, cut or burn. There are many types of scars. Keloids are very thick clusters of scar tissue that appear as red or purple lesions, often growing outside of the injury, cut or incision. This may be what has formed on your arm. Keloids can be difficult to treat and have a tendency to reappear after scar removal treatment.

Hypertrophic scars are similar to keloids and tend to be thick, red and raised, but remain within the boundaries of the original incision or wound. They can often be improved with scar removal methods, such as a simple application of special creams, or injections.

Facial scars, because of their location, are frequently considered a cosmetic problem, whether or not it is hypertrophic. There are several scar removal techniques to make a facial scar less noticeable. Often the procedure involves cutting out the scar and closing it with tiny stitches, leaving a thinner, less noticeable scar. Laser scar removal procedures may also be used, as well as creams.

Burns can also cause scars and can result in a loss of a large area of skin. The resulting scar contracts, causing the edges of the skin to be pulled together. This affects adjacent muscles and tendons and restricts normal movement. Burn scars are usually treated with scar removal surgery, using a skin flap, or graph and tissue expansion.

As mentioned above, there are several ways to treat different scars. One option is surgery, which is often necessary to improve the scar. In this case, the surgeon removes excess scar tissue, and repositions the incision so it heals in a less visible pattern. Scar removal surgery is usually done under local or general anesthesia in the surgeon’s office.

Another treatment option is the use of creams and massages. Special creams are applied directly to the scar, which softens the scar tissue and promotes healing by working on the collagen fibers and realigning them. Massage may also be recommended, especially after breast surgery. This helps to break up the scar tissue.

Scars, especially old scars, may be treated with PhotoDerm, a non-invasive laser-like device that emits an intense flash of light that works directly on the scar by reducing the blood vessels present in the scar tissue.

I recommend speaking to a board-certified plastic surgeon to see which treatment option is right for you. Good luck!

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Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.