Keloid Scars

What Are Keloid Scars?

Keloid scars occur when collagen builds up from too much production of fibrous tissue at the site of an injury. This can be caused by burns, cuts, scrapes, surgery, and superficial body piercings. These types of scars are very pronounced, appearing bumpy and red or pink in color. They can also move outside the wound boundaries and cause pain and itching.

Keloid Or Hypertrophic Scars?

Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between keloid and hypertrophic scars. It is important to understand the difference because the treatment for each is very different. Knowing exactly whether a scar is hypertrophic or keloid will help you find the best treatment to help clear up your scars. Most injuries leave just a flat scar that is very light in color. When a scar is hypertrophic, it appears very red and thickened. These scars can take up to a year to heal. Because this healing process takes so long, doctors can inject steroids into the scar to help reduce the inflammation that causes them to grow and appear redder. Hypertrophic scars, unlike keloids, usually remain within the boundaries of the original wound.

Keloid scars tend to form after the normal scar at the site and time of injury and continue to grow larger. Keloids can be caused by piercings, injuries, burns and surgery. Picking at pimples can also cause keloid scars. They tend to be ugly in appearance and take on a reddish-pink color. They rise above the skin and feel like rubber. They can also grow beyond the borders of the original wound. People with keloids often complain of itching and pain. You will usually see keloids on the earlobes, shoulders, chest and back.

Tendencies to Develop Keloid Scars

The reasons behind the tendency to develop keloid scars are not completely known. Several studies show there may be a defect in the immune system response that causes it to overreact to wounds.

Anyone can develop keloid scars, but they tend to occur in higher numbers among those with dark skin. Women are also more prone to keloid scars.

How to Prevent Keloid Scars

Preventing the occurrence of keloid scars begins with trying to prevent skin injury. If you have a tendency to develop keloid scarring, avoid surgeries of cosmetic nature or unnecessary body piercings. Also try to prevent injuring the skin as much as possible.

If the skin does receive an injury, place pressure on the wound right away to stop any bleeding. When a wound bleeds, the body will immediately begin sending collagen to the wound to help it close. Applying pressure will help that process along faster. Then flush the wound with cool water and wash it with gentle soap to get rid of any dirt. The wound must be kept clean, dry, and bandaged to prevent bacteria from getting in and causing infection. The most effective wound covering is a silicone gel that forms a moisture barrier on the skin and keeps moisture in and bacteria out.

Scar Removal

Removing Scars

When an injury is severe and the wound is not properly cared for, scars can develop into a severe form of scarring known as keloid scars. These need an aggressive, quick form of scar removal before they become larger.

Severe or keloid scars can be caused by piercings, surgical incisions, injuries, and burns. They can really cause self-esteem issues because of their large size and color. They can also be painful or itchy. People with severe scars seek out treatment or some type of scar removal. There are some home therapies as well as some medical treatments available to help treat these scars and reduce their impact on your appearance. The home remedies are safe, but always check with your physician or surgeon before using any treatments.

Silicone-Based Gels

Silicone-based gels can be very effective in scar removal. The popular product Scarinex can help fade the appearance of unsightly scars and allow the skin to heal and regenerate. Silicone gels form a moisture barrier that can reduce redness and smooth the scar tissue. This type of product is very safe, and silicone has been used for many years in the medical community.

Surgical Scar Removal

Dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons can use surgical scar removal for stubborn scars. They always recommend trying home treatment first, since surgery is invasive and costly. They use an electric scalpel or laser to cut off excess scar tissue and allow new tissue to grow. This procedure can cause pain and possible infection, and some severe scars can regrow.

Usually, the surgeon attempts to cut out the scar and suture the skin back together in a smaller line than the previous scar. Scar removal surgery may not be covered by insurance since it is cosmetic, and there is recovery time associated with it.

Scar Sheeting

This type of scar removal involves placing a silicone-based pressure bandage over the scar tissue. This is generally a moisture barrier that holds in moisture while the skin heals on its own. There are no extra ingredients to help nourish the skin and encourage exfoliation and regeneration.

These sheets can be very costly at $30 per sheet. A fresh sheet needs to be applied many times during the week. Larger scars can be very costly to treat. While this treatment can help to reduce the pain and itching of severe scars, there have been complaints of side effects, including rashes and itching.

Natural Scar Treatments

Natural Scar Treatment Options

Scars can affect many types of skin differently. No matter what type of scar you suffer from, you probably want to look into scar treatment. Scars may only cover one small area, or they may cover a large part of your body. Treating scars can reduce their appearance and bring back your self-confidence. While there are a variety of all-natural and safe products to help fade scars and heal the skin, not every scar removal product is appropriate for every skin type. You can learn about all of the different products to find the one best suited for your skin type. With natural treatments, you may be able to begin treating scars with things you already have in your home. Most of these remedies have potentially no side effects and can be very cost effective. Here is a list of natural home remedies:

Gels and Liquids

Aloe Vera Gel – Using aloe vera gel can help lighten scars and reduce their appearance. It comes from the aloe vera plant, and you can just break off a leaf and apply the gel directly to acne scars. Make sure to wash off and use a good moisturizer.

Honey – Honey has been used for thousands of years as a skin tonic. It can provide nutrients to help feed the skin and can also lock in moisture. Dab a bit of honey onto acne scars to help fade them.

Lemon Juice – The citric acid can help to lighten the appearance of scars.

Healthy doses of vitamin C from lemon juice help nourish and heal the skin. Lemon juice contains alpha hydroxy acid that can help remove dead skin cells. After using lemon juice, make sure to wash your face thoroughly and apply a good moisturizer.

Natural Pastes and Oils

Cucumber Paste – Take cucumber and grind it into a paste. Spread over acne scars to help reduce redness and inflammation. Cucumber helps moisturize the skin and speed up healing.

Almond Oil – Almond oil is very nourishing to the skin and can help the skin regenerate healthy tissue naturally. Make sure that you are not allergic to tree nuts before using it.

Olive Oil – Olive oil is very moisturizing to the skin and can be used after the above treatments to help lock in moisture and promote healing.

Make sure you use cold-pressed olive oil for the best results.

Natural Scar Treatment Tips

Try massaging the area of acne scars to keep adhesions from forming in the scar tissue. Gentle massages can keep scars from growing thicker. They can also promote blood flow to the area to help with healthy tissue regeneration.

Before you use any of the treatments above, always do a “spot check” to make sure your skin does not react badly to any of the treatments. Never leave lemon juice on your skin for more than 15 to 20 minutes and always moisturize after using.

Exfoliate your skin at least once a week with a scrub. You can try adding brown sugar to your honey to make a paste and scrub the skin. This will help remove dead skin cells. Never exfoliate more than twice weekly and always moisturize after exfoliation.

Scar Treatment At Home

Home Scar Treatment

Reducing scars at home may be easier than you think. Home remedies for scars are usually sitting right in your own kitchen or bathroom. Many items you use every day for other things are really effective in treating scars and preventing them from progressing. If you’re suffering from some unsightly scars, you may want to try one of the following home remedies:

Vitamin E

Many people often have vitamin E sitting around in a medicine cabinet. It comes in gel capsules to take internally as a supplement. These can be broken open to squeeze out the oil. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can nourish and feed the skin. If used early on in wound healing, vitamin E may help prevent scarring, when used often during the day. Vitamin E can also help promote growth of new healthy skin cells, leading to glowing, gorgeous skin. When you massage vitamin E oil into the skin tissue, it encourages the dead skin cells to slough off and new cells to grow in their place.

Baking Soda

You can make a paste of baking soda and water to exfoliate the skin. When you exfoliate, take off the dead skin cells to reveal a fresh new layer of skin. This process is very beneficial to scar healing. Baking soda helps scars appear flatter, reduces inflammation, and alleviates redness. Exfoliation is very effective in treating scars, but use caution because it can cause dry skin. After using baking soda twice daily, make sure you apply a good moisturizer to the area.

Olive Oil

Everyone has a bottle of extra virgin olive oil in the kitchen, and it is good for more than just sautéing. Olive oil is also a common ingredient in skin care products such as cosmetics, moisturizers, and soap. The monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil have many benefits to the body and skin. Take a tablespoon of olive oil, and dab it right onto the scar tissue. Massage it in gently, then cover it with a hot washcloth. This will steam in the olive oil to the area and soften the scar tissue. You can also use olive oil to moisturize your skin after you exfoliate. In addition to the home treatments mentioned above, some people also try the following:

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a popular type of skin treatment that can now be done at home. It uses a small machine to manually exfoliate dead skin cells. This can help remove scar tissue and regenerate skin cells. This needs to be done over several months to reduce the appearance of scars. Don’t exfoliate more than once or twice a week in order to avoid severe dryness.

After microdermabrasion, it is very important to moisturize. Moisturizers must include high amounts of vitamins A, C, and E to help the skin produce collagen. You can buy a personal microdermabrasion kit for use at home. For larger scars, you may need to have this professionally performed.

Laser Removal

Laser removal is performed by a certified professional, usually in a dermatologist’s office. Your doctor can help you decide which laser treatment is best for your type of scar. Many people actually prefer this type of medical scar removal because the laser is more controlled than a scalpel. Smaller appearing scars are easily treated in just a few minutes. Laser treatments are very expensive and can cost over $3,000, but the price depends on the location and size of the scar.

Preventive Care

Preventive Care to Keep Nasty Scars away

Skin is your body’s main form of protection from invaders and damage. When you get a scar, your body is sealing up to protect your insides. Scars are the natural buildup of fibrous tissue formed from collagen. Collagen is released as soon as an injury occurs and the body works to close up the open area. Scars are unsightly and can be uncomfortable. The best way to prevent scars is to take action as soon as possible after an injury. Preventive care only takes a little time, and the benefits are worth it!

Taking care of wounds properly is the first and most important part of preventive care. Keep the wound clean and dry. Flush new wounds with water, and make sure all dirt is removed from the wound bed. Clean daily with mild soap and water. Keep a sterile bandage over the wound to keep it clean.

You can use an antibacterial cream to prevent infection. After the wound closes, begin to apply a silicone-based gel to lock in moisture and encourage healthy tissue regeneration. Your body will send a constant stream of white blood cells to the area for quite some time. This causes the first fibrous tissue in the wound bed and shows up as a scab. They don’t look very good and can be itchy. Make sure you don’t pick at scabs, as this will cause more fibrous tissue to form and make the scar appear worse. This can also cause an infection in the skin.

Preventive Care For Different Types Of Scars

Scars are a natural part of healing even with small injuries. Every scar is different in size and the way they look. How you scar depends on your ethnic background, genetics, age, and health and where the injury is. Whatever the type of scar, it is important to start treatment right away to prevent it from getting out of control and to help the skin heal properly.

Some scars are very small, flat, and light in color. These can be covered, and treatment is very effective in reducing these minor scars. Other scars can be very red, raised, and possibly larger than the wound bed. These are known as either hypertrophic or keloid scars. They can be itchy and painful. Preventive care for these types of scars includes protecting the skin from any injury. Avoid piercings, and if you need surgery, let your surgeon know that you are at risk for keloid scars. If you do receive an injury, avoid any heavy lifting, exercise and strain on the skin areas.

No matter what type of injury you sustain, there is never a guarantee that you won’t receive a lasting scar. The best preventive care is to protect your skin and begin wound care immediately after an injury.

Scar Reduction

Scar reduction aims at preventing scars from becoming worse. Use a good sunscreen when going out in the sun to prevent discoloration to the scar tissue. Since scar tissue is a different color than the skin, tanning will make it stand out. Sunburns can also make scars look worse and increase the scar tissue when the sunburn heals.

You will also want to look into the numerous scar creams available that contain nutrients that can nourish scarred skin. Look for ingredients like cocoa butter, vitamin E, and aloe vera. Make sure scar creams do not contain a lot of water that dilutes the important ingredients. You can also try to cover the scar with a silicone gel sheet to lock in moisture during the healing process. Silicone products can reduce the redness, appearance and size of a scar.

During treatment, try a good concealer with a shade of green to balance out the redness. Yellow can help, but may not be good for darker skin tones. People with darker skin tones can try coloring their skin around the scar to help it blend in naturally. This procedure can be costly and is permanent, so liquid concealers are sometimes a better option.

Acne scars, pitted scars or chicken pox marks can be filled in with collagen injections. More than one treatment is required, and they are quite costly. Doctors can also inject steroids to reduce inflammation, fade redness, and help smooth and flatten the scar areas. These are quite costly and require multiple treatments.

To smooth the skin, also try microdermabrasion or dermabrasion. These treatments exfoliate the top layer of skin and flatten scar tissue. They can be done with a machine or a scrub with small granules a few times a week. There are kits that can be used at home, or the treatment can be done in a spa or dermatologist’s office.

Lastly, scar reduction can be done by surgery or laser treatments. These are very invasive and require some downtime. For these reasons, preventive care is very important at the beginning of an injury.

What Causes Scars?

Causes of Scars

Many people ask their doctors, “What causes scars?” The answer is usually quite simple: Your body is healing from an injury, and once a scar appears, your body has just closed a wound. The body has an amazing ability to send healing cells to the site of an open wound, closing it up quickly so that bacteria does not enter the body. If the skin cells were produced exactly as they were before, the wound would take a long time to close. Therefore, the cells that close the wound tend to appear just a little different than those originally in the area.

Unfortunately, many people are very self-conscious about scars. It is important to understand that when your skin’s surface sustains an injury and heals, it may never completely go back to its original appearance. The healing cells tend to make a different kind of skin that looks different in color and texture. Some scars are more noticeable than others, but the bottom line is the body is doing its job. Scars are made up of certain proteins and collagen that make up the surface of the skin. The tissue that scars are made of tends to be more sensitive to sunlight, does not generate hair growth, and is different in color than the rest of the skin.

There are many types of treatments to reduce the appearance of scars. Finding the right treatment depends on the type of injury and scar that occurred. While it is impossible to completely get rid of a scar, they do fade, sometimes dramatically. They eventually become smaller and lighter; it just takes time.

What are the Different Types of Scars?

Keloid Scars – Keloid scars come from an overproduction of collagen at the site of a wound after it has healed.

This in turn causes large areas of scar tissue to grow over and outside the area of the original wound. These scars tend to be more common in people with darker skin.

Keloid scars can be treated with steroid injections in the areas of scarring. Steroids are an anti-inflammatory that can reduce the appearance of redness and help with itching.

People who develop keloids need to understand that once they occur, they can occur again in the same area or at the sites of new injuries.

Hypertrophic Scars – Hypertrophic scars do not grow outside the borders of the wound bed and tend to heal on their own in a year’s time or more. Hypertrophic scars are tougher and redder than normal scars, and they often need steroids to heal or corrective surgery.

Contracture Scars – When there is a large loss of skin tissue, scars may form that attempt to “pull” the sides of the wound together to close it. The pulling appearance of these scars gives them the name contracture. Most of these types of scars require a cosmetic surgeon to perform a Z-plasty in order to graft new skin or form a flap to correctly close the wound.

Facial Scars – When the face receives a wound that scars it and changes its appearance, surgeons can remove the scar tissue and make a few small stitches to leave a smaller scar. Dermatologists can also perform dermabrasion that softens and leaves the skin smoother. However, facial scars do not completely go away with these treatments.

Recovering From Keloids

Recovering from Keloids

Keloids are sometimes inevitable even with diligent care. Whenever a keloid scar forms, start treatment as soon as possible in order to smooth the skin and make the scar lighter. Many treatments are very effective and low in cost. Some are not as effective and more costly. You can talk to your physician or dermatologist about scar treatments for keloids and see what fits your needs.

If conventional treatments are not effective over time, you may need to have medical treatment. There are steroid injections with fluorouracil that can help make keloids flatter and less obvious. Steroid injections are costly and require a number of treatments to be effective. Another treatment is laser removal that can help remove excess blood vessels that cause discoloration to scars.

This is safe and effective, but very expensive. Insurance usually does not cover laser therapy due to its cosmetic nature.

Surgical Removal of Keloids

As a last resort, doctors can perform surgery on keloids to make them smaller. This comes with a risk of infection and the possibility of another keloid scar forming in the place of the original one. The surgeon cuts out the keloid and sutures the skin back together making it smaller. Treatment can be followed by radiation to further reduce the appearance of a keloid.

Recovering from keloid treatments such as laser therapy, surgery or steroid injections requires time and further treatment. After a major medical treatment, talk to your doctor about aftercare and follow instructions for recovery time carefully. If your doctor gives the OK, use a good moisturizer after any open wounds have closed and keep the wound clean and dry during healing.

Make sure you use a silicone-based product containing nutrients that feed and nourish the skin. This encourages healthy new skin cells to grow and dead tissue to fall away. There is no guarantee that a new keloid will not form if you are prone to them, but the best defense is taking action as soon as possible.

Creams for Scars

Exploring Effectiveness of Scar Creams

People who suffer from scars have an embarrassing issue to deal with. Scars happen for many reasons, including injury, surgery, and piercings. No matter what the cause, an unsightly scar may leave the sufferer exploring the effectiveness of scar creams.

There are so many creams for scars on the market that it can get a bit confusing picking one. You need to understand the different types of scars in order to find just the right cream for your type of scar. Scar creams can fade and reduce the appearance of scars and leave you with healthier looking skin.

All about Scars

Scars form when the skin becomes open due to injury, surgery, piercings or burns. The body immediately begins the healing process and starts to send collagen and protein to the site of injury.

Collagen and protein form a fibrous tissue that closes up the wound. Normal skin tends to look like a basket weave under a microscope, but scars only have tissue that goes in one direction. This leaves spots on the skin that are different in color and texture. Some scars are minor and unnoticeable, but some can be very prominent and large. Creams for scars are designed to treat certain types of scars, and different scars may need more or less treatment. Let’s take a look at the different types of scars.

Types Of Scars

Keloid Scars – These scars form after a wound has healed, sometimes up to months later. They tend to become larger than the area of the original wound and can be raised up and darker in color, with tough or rubber-like tissue. They are caused by an overproduction of collagen at the site of injury and are more common in people with darker skin tones.

Contracture Scars – Contracture scars tend to become smaller and tighter than the original wound bed and can make the skin feel tight. The pulling sensation when you move the area around the injury can cause pain with movement.

Hypertrophic Scars – These scars are often confused with keloid scars. They are very much alike in that they are more red and discolored than normal scars and the tissue can be very tough and rubbery. The difference is hypertrophic scars do not become larger than the site of original injury.

Acne Scars – Severe and even mild acne can leave scars on the skin. Some severe acne scars can appear as pits and can be very damaging to self-esteem. With good skin care and treatments, these scars can be faded, reduced or even filled in to give the skin a smoother appearance.

The Effectiveness of Creams on Scars

Depending on the type of scar you have and how committed you are to your treatment and skin care, creams can dramatically reduce the appearance of your scar. By nourishing the skin with proper nutrients, moisture and protection, scar creams can be effective over time with consistent use.

Scar creams use safe, all-natural ingredients that can help smooth and flatten scar tissue and the surrounding area.

These methods promote increased blood circulation, exfoliate dead skin cells, and regenerate healthy tissue for glowing skin. The effectiveness of a scar cream depends on how often and how long you use your choice of treatment.

Using Scar Creams

In order to see the most effective results, scar creams must be used as directed. In addition, follow these steps to help increase treatment effectiveness:

Cleanse and Exfoliate – Before applying a scar cream, cleanse and exfoliate the scar area with a gentle soap and rinse with water to remove old skin cells.

Apply and Massage – Apply the cream and use a gentle, circular massage technique to help loosen scar tissue and get the cream into the layers of skin. The massage can help increase circulation and regenerate tissue at the site of injury.

Use Daily – Perform these steps daily, and over time you will see a reduction in scars and experience fresh healthy skin!

Start Treatment As Soon As Possible – Begin scar treatment as soon as the wound from an injury has closed. Ask your doctor when the best time would be to apply cream to scars caused by surgery. Newer scars fade better if treated early on.

Use Sunscreen – During scar treatment, make sure you use a good sunscreen to keep the skin from discoloring more and making the scar more pronounced.

Acne Scars

How to Handle Acne Scars

Acne is a very common skin disease characterized by red, raised bumps or black and white heads. It is most often found on the face, upper chest, and back. Acne usually subsides by adulthood but can often leave behind scars. Acne scars can be unattractive and embarrassing. They can be a constant reminder of the years you spent suffering from unsightly acne.

Acne scars can be nearly impossible to completely get rid of, but there are ways to make them less noticeable by helping them blend into your healthy skin. The different treatment options available vary in effectiveness and cost based on the severity and type of acne scars you may be suffering from.

Best Treatment for Your Acne Scars

Laser peels and resurfacing techniques use photo rejuvenation to induce wounds on the skin, prompting new, healthy skin cells to form. Side effects may include irritation on the site of the laser and even additional scarring. Because it is considered a cosmetic procedure, they will usually not be covered by medical insurance unless the scars are hindering functionality.

Scar Creams

Scar creams like Scarinex and gels are the treatments used most often these days. They are the cheapest and most noninvasive treatments for lessening the appearance of unsightly acne scars. The most important thing to do when trying to decide which cream or gel to use is to study the ingredients. Many of the creams for sale contain cocoa butter and vitamin E, which are highly effective in fading acne scars.

The difficulty with these creams lies in the fact that they are often diluted with water, so they are not nearly as effective as they could be. The most comprehensive treatment for a good price is a silicone-based scar gel. The silicone locks in moisture by forming a protective barrier that attaches itself to the skin, allowing for the growth of healthy new skin.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are split into three different categories, superficial peels, medium peels and deep peels. These methods use chemicals to remove the top layer of the affected skin. This promotes the healthy growth of beautiful new skin. For mild cases of acne scars, superficial peels can be used. These peels can be applied anywhere on the body and generally heal very quickly. For more moderate acne scars, medium peels are used. Medium peels can cause slight redness and take over a week to heal.

Deep peels are used in cases of severe acne. These peels are known for bleaching the skin that is affected by acne scars and can take up to 2 weeks to heal, leaving your skin reddened for almost 8 weeks.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is the process in which the skin is frozen, and then scraped to remove several layers of the skin. Once the skin heals from this, healthy skin can grow back. The same process is used in microdermabrasion, except it does not go as deep, peeling off only the top layer of skin. Microdermabrasion is for more mild cases of acne scars, while dermabrasion is for more severe cases.

Advanced Scar Removal

The Removal of Advanced Scars

Most scars can be treated and their appearance reduced with simple home treatments that include exfoliation, nourishment, and moisture. Some scars such as keloids and hypertrophic scars may need advanced scar removal. Keloid and hypertrophic scars happen when the body overproduces healing substances that cause excess tissue to form at the site of an injury. They can be treated with long-term home treatment, but certain situations may require a doctor’s care.

Preventing the Need for Advanced Scar Removal

If you are prone to severe scarring, the first way to prevent the need for advanced scar removal is to protect your skin from injury. Try to avoid excess piercings as they are a major culprit in developing keloid scarring. Keep your arms and legs covered when hiking or riding a bike. Use a good moisturizer and take care of any injuries right away.

As soon as you receive an injury to the skin, wash the area thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. Cover the area with a clean bandage or pressure dressing. Keep the area clean and dry until the wound is closed. You can even apply a dab of antibiotic cream, as these are known to help minimize scarring. After wound closure, begin using a silicone-based wound gel or bandage.

The best provide nourishment and moisture and keep healing skin protected. This minimizes scars from the beginning of the injury. Often, there are scar conditions that require further treatment, such as keloids or large wounds. Here are some advanced scar removal techniques that can be used as a last resort:

Cortisone Injections

Doctors can treat severe scars with cortisone injections. These help reduce inflammation, slow scar tissue formation, and lighten redness. They are effective but can have side effects. There may be pain at the site of injections, allergic reactions, or color changes in the skin tissue. They are usually given monthly for 3 months with an out-of-pocket cost of about $60 each, since insurance may not cover them if they are merely for cosmetic reasons.

Cryosurgery

Doctors can freeze scar tissue with cryosurgery to help flatten thickened or overgrown scar tissue. This type of treatment can help with very large scars. This treatment is said to be painful and can cause itching and irritated skin. There are also home cryosurgery kits that cost around $200.

Laser Treatment

These treatments are between $1,000 and $5,000 and are very complicated. The doctor needs to find just the right laser that will be most effective on the scar tissue. After laser treatments, doctors will also bleach the skin to further lighten the scar. The one side effect of laser treatments is that keloid scarring may worsen or come back. This is due to burns to the skin caused by the laser further damaging the tissue.

Surgical Removal

When scar tissue is very thick, large, and resistant to any other treatment, the last option is surgical removal of scar tissue. A surgeon can cut out the scar tissue and sew the skin back together to create only a line of scar tissue. This can cost between $500 and $3,000 depending on the size of the scar. Since this is surgery, there is a risk of infection and no guarantee that the treatment will be effective.

Taking care of injuries before they become out of control can help to prevent the need for advanced scar removal. This avoids damage to the skin and the increased costs of fading the scar in the long run.