If you have had surgery or a wound, then a scar might develop. These are often unsightly, so many people want to have them removed. However, before you choose any scar treatment, you should visit your dermatologist. There are several reasons for you to visit a professional first.
Have a Dermatologist Look At It
It might seem obvious to you that there is a scar, but it is important to have a dermatologist look at it before getting treatment. One reason for this is that scars are more complex than they look. For effective and safe treatment, it is important that the person who takes care of it knows about the type of scar you have.
Depending on the type, you might need one of a variety of treatments. The amount of time you have had the scar and your age also play a big role in the treatment. A dermatologist can tell you several useful pieces of information, including:
- The type of scar it is
- What treatment is needed
- When to have it treated
- If the scar may fade in due time and not require treatment
Another reason to check with a dermatologist is that skin cancer sometimes might look like a scar. For example, if you never had an injury or surgery on that area and notice a scar, you should make an appointment with your family dermatologist quickly.
You should also make sure that it is just a scar. In some cases, a scar might make that area more susceptible to skin cancer. By wearing sunscreen or protective clothing, you can reduce your risk, but make sure that the sunscreen has an SPF of at least 30.
Pressure Therapy
This technique involves putting pressure on your wound while it is healing. That might prevent or at least reduce your chances of having a scar. Your health care provider will have you wear a special pressure dressing. It might be in the form of a stocking or an elastic bandage.
Some people find that this type of dressing is uncomfortable, so they stop wearing it. But to get the best results, you might have to wear the dressing for as much as a year. Some people need to get new pressure dressings every six or eight weeks. However, if the wound is on your face, then you cannot use pressure therapy.
Using Silicone Gel
This treatment has been used since the early 1980s. It may help to treat a raised scar because it can reduce the redness, size, or hardness. It can also reduce the stiffness or any itching. After surgery, it may help prevent raised scars.
If you have surgery to remove a scar, then this can help prevent a scar after the second surgery. Often, silicone gel works better than an ointment. The sheet is self-adhesive and thin, and you will apply it after your wound closes. For the best results, you will have to wear the sheet every day for several months.
Laser and Light Treatments
This is a popular treatment because it may prevent raised scars. It can also make existing scars less noticeable by lessening their color and make scars less likely after surgery. If you have depressed scars, lasers can treat some of them, as well.
If the scars limit your movement, laser treatment may help increase it. It can also reduce itchiness and swelling.
Here at Complete Family Dermatology, Brent Behrens, PA-C, and Dr. Geoff Basler encourage you to see a dermatologist if you are considering scar treatment. For more information, feel free to give our office a call to set up an appointment.
