Scar Removal Q & A
Why does skin form scars?
Scars form as a result of the healing process initiated by damage to the skin. When your skin is cut or burnt, or you get insect bites or develop spots, the break in the surface layer of the skin triggers the immune system to stop the bleeding and seal the wound, then repair the damaged tissues.
This system works so well that it’s easy to take it for granted, and most of the time minor injuries leave little or no trace behind. However, in some instances, the healing process may not work so efficiently, leaving scar tissue or indentations in your skin.
What kinds of scars are there?
There are several different types of scars:
Hypertrophic and keloid scars
Hypertrophic and keloid scars form when the healing process goes into overdrive and creates excessive scar tissue. This can cause thick, raised scarring that extends beyond the original wound.
Contracture scars
Contracture scars that you might get after a burn injury can form in such a way that the new skin is uncomfortably tight. In some cases, the skin is so tight it restricts movement.
Acne scars
Acne scars and similar skin blemishes caused by diseases such as chickenpox form pits and dimples in the skin. These are often on the face and can affect your confidence and make you feel self-conscious.
Surgical scars
Having any form of surgery is bound to leave scarring, although surgeons always carry out minimally invasive procedures wherever possible, and hide the incisions if they can.
Is there a scar removal treatment?
There are ways of reducing the appearance of scars using techniques such as:
- Cryotherapy (freezing scars with liquid nitrogen)
- Steroid injections
- Skin grafts for contracture scars
- Surgical removal
- Dermabrasion
- Laser therapy
At CNS Center of Arizona & Medical Aesthetics, the medical team uses the cutting-edge laser technology of Icon by Cynosure®. Icon is a laser aesthetics platform that works by using laser energy to break down the scar tissue, which your body then flushes away naturally.
Icon laser treatment causes minimal discomfort and doesn’t require downtime afterward, so there’s little disruption to your life. Following Icon treatment, new skin and tissue growth are smoother, and your skin looks evener.
Find out more about the advantages of Icon laser therapy for improving the appearance of unsightly scars by calling CNS Center of Arizona & Medical Aesthetics today, or book an appointment online.