While injuries and inflammation may heal over time, they can affect the body in many ways and leave behind scars. Fortunately, there are ways to get such scars permanently removed from the body. One can choose from a range of surgical and non-surgical procedures, from laser interventions to topical treatments, that can help fade out and completely eliminate scars. But there are a few things to know while opting for scar removal.

Scar removal methods
1. Topical treatments
If the scar is not too deep, dermatologists may recommend topical treatment options to minimize its appearance. Topical treatments are the least invasive,  so they usually don’t have severe side effects and can reduce scars without causing pain or discomfort. Here, scar creams and gels may be prescribed. These products may contain essential ingredients like vitamin C, retinoids, silicone, and hydroquinone, which are known to remove scars, both old and new.

2. Prescription treatment
This may help with the removal of keloids or hypertrophic scars and reduce irritation and itching on and around such scars. There are different types of prescription treatment available for scars, such as dermal fillers and liquid nitrogen or argon gas (which are used in a procedure called cryotherapy). Dermatologists may prescribe one of these options based on where the scar is located and how deep it is.

3. Laser scar removal
Laser scar removal has gained popularity for its ability to fade out scars, especially those caused by acne. Also, laser scar removal can feel uncomfortable, but it can minimize the color of the scar and relieve itching and irritation in the affected regions. However, it only lightens the scar and may not be able to completely get rid of it. Nevertheless, it is a common option for hypertrophic scar removal, i.e., getting rid of thick, raised scars. Additionally, if considering stretch mark removal, laser treatment can help minimize the appearance of stretch marks.

4. Skin grafting
Here, the dermatologist uses skin from another body part to replace scarred skin. This procedure is normally carried out to deal with burn scars, making it another hypertrophic scar removal method. In some cases, the skin may also be extracted from another person and surgically grafted on the patient’s scarred area. Also, dermatologists may ask the patient to keep the dressing on while the wound heals so the chances of infection are minimal.

5. Microneedling
In this procedure, the dermatologist makes tiny holes in the outer layer of the skin using thin needles. As a result, the skin begins to produce more elastin and collagen, helping it become smooth and reducing the appearance of scars. Microneedling can help tackle stretch marks and acne scars. But if not done properly, it can cause infections. So, one should look for dermatologists with expertise in this procedure.

Causes of scars
To choose a suitable scar removal technique, it is important to understand the type of scarring one is targeting and what causes it. Here are a few causes:

Acne: There are several treatments for acne, but as it penetrates deep into the skin’s layers, it tends to leave behind scars that do not go away easily. Nevertheless, one can consult a dermatologist for suitable acne scar removal procedures today.

Burns: Burns may also result in deep scars on the skin, which are sometimes painful. Usually, the color of the scar is a shade lighter or darker than the skin’s natural pigment. With certain types of burn scars, one may experience an itchy sensation to touch, while some others can restrict body movement in the area. Scar removal methods can help in minimizing the appearance and severity of scars caused by burns.

C-section:  For c esarean births, surgeons create an incision in the stomach to deliver the baby and then stitch it up later. However, the scars of such incisions remain for long after the procedure. Massages and gels may help heal the incision, but a more intensive procedure may be required to get rid of the scars permanently. Here, one needs to consider the extent of scarring and how quickly the scar is healing on its own, which can help a dermatologist choose the best scar removal technique.

Piercings: Sometimes, tissues around a piercing, such as areas around the nose, ear, eyebrow, or belly button piercing, can endure some scarring, which may worsen over time if left untreated. These piercing scars can be permanently removed through a dermatology procedure based on how deep they are.

Cleft lip surgery: A cleft lip surgery is done to treat a split in the upper lip, which develops before one is born. However, these surgeries may leave red or pink scars that may become permanent if one does not consult a dermatologist early on. The dermatologist may recommend surgical or non-surgical options after examining the extent of scarring.

Further, one may also develop stretch marks, which can be minimized through cosmetic surgery.

Cost
Scar removal prices may differ based on the extent of scarring and the area affected by scars. Further, the procedure one opts for is the key factor determining the price. For example, laser scar removal prices may range from $200 to $3,400, depending on the extent of scarring. On the other hand, the average cost of skin grafting is $3,000. Topical treatments for scar removal may cost as little as $20, as scar removal creams are easily available in local stores. So, one should clearly discuss their budget and specific preferences with the dermatologist to understand what treatment would be best for them.