Scar Removal FAQs

Why Get Scar Removal?

Scar removal allows people to escape scars and blemishes that otherwise would last a lifetime. Even though it is difficult to entirely remove large scars, it is very possible to see substantial improvement. Smooth and flawless skin is typically seen as an important component of beauty. Whether you have small acne scars on your face, chest, and back, or whether you have large scars from serious injuries, accidents, or surgeries, a scar removal can help to improve your appearance.

How Is It Possible to Remove a Scar? Wouldn't That Just Leave a Bigger One?

There are a lot of different ways to remove a scar. Not all of them involve actually cutting the original scar out. Some methods of scar removal actually sand down raised scars to make them less noticeable and swollen. Some other methods can help improve red and angry scars by removing some of the blood supply. Still other methods are able to minimize the appearance of sunken, atrophic scars by injecting fillers to get rid of the unappealing depressions.

Even with the procedures which involve actually excising or cutting out the scar, it is very possible to have a much smaller and less noticeable scar. When a large scar is removed by excision, the remaining skin is brought together and sutured shut. This typically results in a smaller line than the original injury. Also, the incision is able to be made in a controlled environment, and its healing can be closely monitored so it has the least chance of scarring.

Although it's difficult to completely obliterate a scar, scar removal can definitely help your scars be smaller and less noticeable.

My Scar Is Really Big. Can I Get the Whole Thing Removed?

Exactly how much you can do to get rid of your scar will depend some on exactly how big it is, on its location, on your own unique level of health, on your genetic background, and on a host of other factors. However, whether or not your scar can be entirely removed, chances are very good that you can see significant improvement by using a scar removal procedure. Check around with a couple of surgeons in your area to see which procedure would best be able to remove your scar.

I've Had This Scar for a Long Time. Is It Still Possible to Remove It?

Yes. There are a variety of scar removal techniques which can help with even very old scars.

Can Stretch Marks Be Removed Like Scars?

Stretch marks are a common concern. Large numbers of women and men get these lines on their skin during times of extreme weight gain or growth. These marks typically start of a reddish purple hue, but then fade and become glossy and silvery-white. However, even as these marks fade, a lot of people still with they could get rid of them.

Scar removal techniques can help to get rid of stretch marks. Laser procedures can help to vaporize the stretch marks, allowing skin to take its place. Stretch marks can also be removed by excising the offending skin. For example, if a woman with a large number of abdominal stretch marks undergoes a tummy tuck, these stretch marks will be removed.

Will I Have to Take Time off Work to Get My Scar Removed?

Injections will not typically require time off from surgery, as there isn't really much that the patient has to recover from. However, most other surgical scar removal methods will require you to take some time off work. The amount of time you will need to take off can vary widely depending on the method you use, and it may also depend on your own wishes and your level of comfort with being seen during the recovery process. For example, if you have a scar on your face treated with dermabrasion or a chemical peel, you may be physically able to go back to work fairly soon. However, you may decide that you want to wait a week or so longer for bruising or crusting to go down.

How Painful Is It to Get a Scar Removed?

Scar removal frequently involves some amount of pain. However, this can usually be easily controlled by the pain medications that your surgeon prescribes. Excessive pain is unusual, and it can be a sign of complications. You should contact your surgeon if your pain is unbearable, or if it is uncontrollable.

Why Do I Need to Tell My Surgeon About My Medication and Supplements?

While taking vitamins, supplements, and medications can ordinarily be very healthy, there are a number of products which can increase a person's risks during surgery. Many common medications like Advil and Aspirin can increase one's chances of serious bleeding. Common health supplements like garlic and Ginkgo Biloba can also increase one's chances of complications. To be on the safe side, you should discuss everything that you are taking with your surgeon. Then, he or she will be able to help you to know if you will need to temporarily stop taking any of these. If you are taking a medication which could adversely affect your surgery or recovery, your surgeon may be able to help you find a temporary replacement.

What Is the Best Type of Scar Removal?

There is no such thing as the best overall scar removal procedure. There are many different types of scars, and they all react differently. Which scar removal technique will be best for you is something that you will need to find out by speaking with a surgeon. After examining your scar, your surgeon will be able to recommend a course of action.

Can Acne Scars Be Removed?

Yes. Acne scar removal requests are very common. Acne happens to just about everybody when they go through puberty, and a lot of people continue to suffer from acne as they progress into adulthood. As such, almost everybody has some amount of acne scarring. Luckily, there are a wide variety of ways that acne scarring can be treated, depending on the severity and depth of the scarring. Chemical peels and dermabrasion can often be very helpful. Microdermabrasion can sometimes help with very shallow acne scars. Laser techniques are often also used on acne scarring, and excision and dermal grafting are also common choices.