Treatment of scars in NYC is a complex process and is highly dependent on each scar’s unique characteristics. Many scars call for a combination of treatments. For scars that are large, highly visible, or deep, it is best to consult with a dermatologist at PFRANKMD to find out which treatment or combination of treatments is recommended.
Scars
What Are Scars?
A scar is a growth of tissue marking the spot where skin has healed after an injury. Scars are part of the natural healing process after an injury. Scars are categorized into various types depending on factors like their cause, location, depth, and size. The following types of scars can occur:
-
Acne Scars
-
Pitted Scars
-
Burns
-
Surgical Scars
-
C-Section Scars
-
Stretch Marks
-
Wound Scars
-
Keloid Scars
-
Hypertrophic Scars
Acne scars may be pitted, wavelike, or angular, while hypertrophic scars appear raised and red. Keloid scars are also raised and extend beyond the injury, while contracture scars appear tight as if pulled together around the edges.
Our Scar Treatment Options
Scars can be treated and improved in a variety of ways. Sometimes, a combination of therapies can be used to treat scars. We perform the following treatments:
Cortisone or Kenalog Treatments – Cortisone or Kenalog steroid injections can treat keloid scars and hypertrophic scars.
Excimer UVB Laser – This phototherapy treatment is ideal for white scars.
Vbeam – This pulsed-dye laser effectively treats red scars.
PICO Laser – PICO laser treatment uses laser energy to address hyperpigmented scars.
Microdroplet Silicone – Injections of microdroplets of silicone can be used to fill in indented scars. This process also stimulates collagen production in the area.
Fraxel Repair – This ablative fractional laser treatment vaporizes scar tissue in hypertrophic scars and acne scars, stimulating the body’s natural healing process.
Fraxel Restore – Fraxel Restore’s non-ablative fractional laser energy encourages new collagen production. This gradually and naturally fills in acne scars.
Ellacor – Ellacor uses hollow needles to remove tissue sections from acne scars. As a result, the body’s healing process fills in these scars.
The number of treatments and treatment sessions required is determined by the severity of the scar.
Ideal Candidates for Scar Treatment
If you have scars that are situated in visible areas such as your hand or face, you may be a good candidate for scar treatment. If you have recently undergone surgery, you may be eligible for these techniques to prevent the development of keloid or hypertrophic scars. You may also be recommended for treatment if your scar limits your ability to move certain parts of your body.
Both surgical and nonsurgical scars should be treated sooner rather than later. The longer a scar stays red and inflamed, the worse it will look in the end. That’s why it’s essential to treat scars early.
Your Consultation
An examination of your scar or scars will be performed during your consultation. We will assess the type of the scar, as well as its depth and severity, and we will ask about its cause. A review of your medical history will be conducted; you will be asked about past surgeries, current medications, and existing conditions. Finally, a treatment plan will be developed using a combination of scar-revision treatments.
After Your Scar Treatment
After your scar treatment, you likely won’t require any downtime or recovery time. Non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques allow for quicker healing than surgical treatments. Temporary swelling, redness, or bruising may be experienced. You will be given specific aftercare instructions depending on the chosen treatments.
Cost of Treatment for Scars
The cost of scar removal varies from one patient to another due to the personalized approach applied for each individual. The overall price may be impacted by the number and size of the scars being treated. The expenses will also reflect the complexity of the procedure and number of total sessions needed.
Scars Frequently Asked Questions
I have a scar from a facelift. Are there treatments for this?
Absolutely. You’re investing so much time and money into your facial surgery. You should absolutely have a laser surgeon look at your scars starting at about 4 weeks after your procedure. There are many treatments available.
Will VBeam help a C-section scar?
C-section scars can be treated with the Vbeam at 2-4 weeks. We sometimes utilize Pico lasers, which can be used while breastfeeding.
Does the VBeam treat all kinds of scars?
Vbeam is the most commonly used laser for red and raised scars and is typically a first-line therapy for early intervention.
What is the hardest type of scar to remove?
The older the scar, the harder it is to remove. It is very difficult to treat old deep box scars and deep textural scars with pits. We can make an improvement by using specific PFRANKMD protocols.
For a thick burn scar what’s the best laser treatment?
A thick burn scar is definitely going to take a combination of treatments. A combination of cortizon or kenalog treatments in conjunction with V Beam may be the best course of action. Once it gets flat you can do other types of resurfacing treatments.
Can you fix a thin white flat scar to make it a pigmented skin color?
Yes, you can fix a thin white scar; however, unless I really think I can make at least a 50-60% improvement with technologies, I would suggest cosmetic tattooing, which also provide.
How many scar treatments does it take to see results?
The number of treatments always depends on the type of scar and what’s being used. I’ve never seen a scar that was really one and done.
What kind of scars can be treated?
Every type of scar can be treated. It’s rare that I can’t find a solution or protocol to make improvements.
How long before I can return to normal activity after the scar removal treatment?
There should be no downtime that interferes with daily activities. The majority of people could exercise, go about their daily lives, and wear makeup after their scar removal treatment.
How long should I wait before considering surgical scar removal?
You should avoid surgical revision unless the healing process went horribly wrong and you know the scar will be smaller than it was before. A skilled surgeon or laser surgeon should help make that decision.
What is the healing process for a scar treatment?
The healing process varies significantly based on the treatment used.
Which scar creams should I use?
In my experience, scar creams don’t really do much. Topical antibiotics can help with a wound until it’s healed over but for scars, I have not seen anything provide a difference. Silicone sheets can be helpful if a scar is raised.
PRP for scars?
You know how I feel about PRP, works great for hair and can be very helpful in wound healing. In terms of scars once the skin is healed and opposed, I’ve not found that much improvement from injecting PRP.
Botox for scars?
Injecting Botox in and around scars can be helpful, particularly on areas where there is muscle activity.
Should I be concerned, if I have a scar that’s itching and burning?
A scar that itches and burns may be cause for concern as it’s in what we call keloidal formation, and will continue grow. Treating these scars is in your best interest because they are in their growth phase.
Ablative vs. Non-ablative for Scars?
Ablative are laser treatments that require more downtime and used for surgical scars. When there’s irregularity, we want to do something significant for a scar, and ablative resurfacing can be performed. Non-ablative treatments require less down time. Multiple treatments are needed and can have equal to or more efficacy.
Silikon injections for scars?
If you have an indented scar from acne or trauma, we can use fillers.
What are great fillers for scars?
For really deep scars, fat transfer works great, Another one of my areas of expertise is injectable, medical grade, FDA approved, microdroplet silicone oil. Silikon 1000 can be used in conjunction with lasers for indented acne scars.