Scars are one of the most difficult skin conditions to treat, because they are made up of dense fibrous tissue that replaces the original tissue once in the area. The collagen in scars is cross-linked in a way that make scars either hypertrophic (raised) or atrophic (sunken). Very aggrevated hypertrophic or raised scars are called keloid scars. Stretch marks are also considered scars. Keloid and stretch marks are the two most difficult scars to resolve.
Although scars can never be completely eliminated, they can be soften using several different technologies.
Patients have come to use to work on scars on the face, surgical scars (often from breast implants or from c-sections), and acne scars.
(1) Lasers can soften mild scars by stimulating new collagen growth through the heat of laser resurfacing.
(2) Microneedling devices also stimulate collagen, but do so mechanically rather than through heat. Microneedling uses a pen-like device with tiny micro-needles to cause tiny injuries to the skin, which cause you to generate new collagen, thus improving skin health. You can also use the micro-needling pen to drive any type of healing product into the dermis. Our favorite to use is your own platelet rich plasma, or PRP, which is your body’s own healing agent.
(3) The long-term filler, Bellafill, can be used to fill deeper scars, provided the scar is flat or sloped, and not a puncture-hole (icepick) scar. Bellafill also stimulates your own collagen growth in the treated area – which means you skin tone and texture will also improve. While any filler can be used to fill a scar, Bellafill is the only filler approved for this treatment.
(4) The hydra-jet facial uses a fine water jet and oxygen to “blast” the skin and can soften scars as well as exfoliate.
(5) Regular use of topical prescription strength Retin-A/Retinols has been shown to soften the look of scars overtime. Retin-A use will make your skin more sun-sensitive, so keep that in mind. Scars themselves will worsen if exposed to the sun, so be sure to protect any scar from sun exposure.
Scars often require a multi-modality approach, and treatments can be combined into a package or series. Dr. Janowski and our master aesthetician, Laurel, can work with you on developing your best treatment protocol.
*Results may vary from patient to patient