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Scars serve as a constant reminder of a past trauma or surgical incision. The contour and color of a scar can also visually disrupt the texture of smooth skin or features. Occasionally scars can be physically uncomfortable or constrictive. For these and other reasons, patients from all over come to Dr. Cabin in Arlington, VA to treat their scars, as Dr. Cabin is a scar expert who uses a variety of different treatment modalities to get the best possible results.
Below are some of the possible treatments for a scar. If you’d like more details on your particular scar concern, learn more, contact Dr. Cabin today to schedule a consultation.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Scars
There are a plethora of surgical and non-surgical options in treating scars. Which options are selected depends on many factors, including the scar color, thickness (or depth), age, size and location . That is why it is essential to consult with an expert who can determine the course of treatment that will best address each scar’s specific needs. However, before seeking a consultation, it is important to educate yourself regarding all of the different types of scar treatment options. Below is a brief explanation of the non-surgical treatments for scars.
Injections
For scars that are thickened or discolored, a series of injections into a scar of a combination of Kenalog (a steroid) and 5-fluorouracil (a specialized drug) can dramatically improve the appearance of scars. In many instances, this is the appropriate first line therapy for a raised or discolored scar.
Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Microneedling with PRP is a skin rejuvenation treatment in which a vibrating pen with multiple tiny needles are used to puncture the skin rapidly and repeatedly, creating tiny, painless wounds in the top layer of the skin. The body then reacts to these punctures by producing collagen and elastin, which helps to heal and improve the skin. This technique can be used directly over scars and, with a series of treatments, can lead to lasting improvement. While microneedling with PRP is an excellent treatment for all types of scarring, it is particularly effective with indented scars, such as acne scarring.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
CO2 laser resurfacing uses a powerful, cutting-edge fractionated laser to precisely remove the outermost layer of the skin. This skin resurfacing is generally used to dramatically turn back the skin’s clock, reversing sun damage, wrinkles and normal changes of aging. For certain scars, particularly those that are raised, a series of CO2 laser treatments can bring dramatic results in flattening the scar and blending it with the surrounding skin.
Fillers with possible subcision
Fillers are most commonly used to rejuvenate the face by restoring volume to certain areas that have suffered age-related volume loss. It can also be used to treat deep or “etched-in” wrinkles. Fillers work in a similar manner with depressed scars, when injected superficially, just beneath the surface of the scar, to help “pop it out” and flatten it with the skin. Depending on the type of scar, a subcision may be performed before filler placement. A subcision is a small, scarless cut made just beneath the scar to release some of its tethering to the deeper layers of the skin. This helps to create a space that can then be used with the filler. The safest and most effective fillers are temporary, so filler injections may need to be repeated over time.
Surgical Treatments for Scars
For certain types of scarring, surgical treatments may be needed in order to achieve the desired results. This may be recommended as an initial treatment, or it may be suggested after attempting one or more of the above non-surgical treatments.
Surgical scar treatment is typically referred to as a “scar revision”, which reflects the fact that the current scar is removed, and a new, more hidden (or invisible) scar is created instead.
While it may seem counterintuitive to replace one scar with another, using advanced techniques, excision and closure revision surgery can take an unsightly scar and make it smaller, less visible and/or more hidden.
Cosmetic Treatments for Scars in Arlington, VA With Dr. Cabin
Get rid of any troublesome scars with expert cosmetic treatments from Dr. Cabin in Arlington, VA. We provide the very best cosmetic treatments for scars, offering an abundance of effective surgical and non-surgical options. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Cabin today.