Simple treatments:-

Some suggest that using creams containing Vitamin E, taking vitamin E supplements, or including plenty of vitamin E in a diet from sources such as wheat germ, nuts, vegetable oils, eggs and green vegetables, can help speed up the healing process, and lessen the appearance of any scar afterwards.

Other research, however, suggests that applying Vitamin E to post surgical scars does not reduce the size, shape, or color of scars and can, in up to one third of patients, result in contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, or other irritation that can worsen a scar's appearance. (Source: Baumann, Dermatologic Surgery, 1999. Also)

There is also a suggestion that cocoa butter cream can be used to help heal scars, and to prevent the formation of keloid scars.

Surgery:-

Any surgical scar removal will always leave a new scar that will take up to two years to mature. Surgery can never remove a scar but can be used to alter its alignment or shape to make it less noticeable.

Surgery can sometimes make the scar bigger, but improve its overall appearance. Surgery can sometimes be necessary to remove a scar on skin near a joint where it restricts movement.

In the case of hypertrophic or keloid scarring, surgery is not recommended, as there is a high risk of re-occurrence of possibly worse scarring following surgery.

Laser Surgery & Resurfacing:-

The use of lasers on scars is experimental treatment, the safety or effectiveness of which has not yet been proven.

The redness of scars may be reduced by treatment with a vascular laser. It has been theorised that removing layers of skin with a carbon dioxide laser may help flatten scars, although this treatment is still highly experimental.

Steroid injections:-

A long term course of steroid injections under medical supervision, into the scar may help flatten and soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars.

The steroid is injected into the scar itself and very little is absorbed into the blood stream, side effects of this treatment are minor. This treatment is repeated at 4-6 week intervals.

Pressure garments:-

Pressure garments should be used only under supervision by a medical professional. They are most often used for burn scars that cover a large area, this treatment is only effective on recent scars.

Pressure garments are usually custom-made from elastic materials, and fit tightly around the scarring. They work best when they are worn 24 hours a day for six to twelve months.

It is believed that they work by applying constant pressure to surface blood vessels and eventually causing scars to flatten and become softer.

Radiotherapy:-

Low-dose, superficial radiotherapy, is used to prevent re-occurrence of severe keloid and hypertrophic scarring. It is usually effective, but only used in extreme cases due to the risk of long-term side effects.

Dermabrasion:-
Dermabrasion involves the removal of the surface of the skin with specialist equipment and usually involves a general anaesthetic. It is useful when the scar is raised above the surrounding skin, but is less effective with sunken scars.

Collagen injections:-

Collagen injections can be used to raise sunken scars to the level of surrounding skin. Its effects are however temporary, and it needs to be regularly repeated. There is also a risk in some people of an allergic reaction.

Other treatments:-

There are also a number of gel sheets available which are usually made from silicone, which can help to flatten and soften raised scars if worn regularly. Silicone, pressure, occlusion, topical cortisone and vitamin E have all been shown to decrease the collagen that forms scars. Patches and pads help but are unsightly so people tend to quit. A popular treatment among plastic surgeons is Kelo-cote, a patented silicone gel that improves the appearance of scars and prevents abnormal or excessive scar formation. Also chemical peels performed by a dermatologist using glycolic acid can be used to minimize acne scarring.

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