What are the Best Treatments for Facial Scars?

Facial scars are not only noticeable; they can also be quite embarrassing. Moreover, they can obliterate your self-esteem and self-confidence. Regardless of whether the scars were caused by an injury or acne, reducing and/or fading them can be tricky. In fact, numerous products on the market claim to “zap” your facial scars, but in reality they are making false promises. If you would like to improve your appearance by reducing, fading and/or minimizing facial scars – you have come to the right place. This blog will tell you which treatments best treat facial scars.

The best treatments for facial scars include:

Microdermabrasion

Are looking for a natural way to reduce and/or fade facial scars? If so, you may want to consider microdermabrasion. Why? Well, this scar-reducing cosmetic procedure uses fine crystals to remove dead facial skin cells. Once the dead skin cells have been eliminated, new facial skin cells form in their place. The new cells give your facial skin a smoother, tighter and more contoured appearance. It is important to note that microdermabrasion procedures have shown tremendous success in treating facial scars.

If you have raised facial scars (i.e. scars that rise from your skin), schedule a consultation with a licensed aesthetician, board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. This professional will be able to explain the procedure and recovery process, go over the risks, side-effects and complications and answer your questions. If the facial scarring is minimal, you may be able to have the scars “buffed out” or faded into the rest of your facial skin.  

Facial Scar Fading Creams

If you are looking for an easy, low-maintenance way to reduce your facial scars, then you may want to consider prescription or over-the-counter facial scar fading creams. If you elect to try an over-the-counter facial cream first make sure it is designed specifically for facial scars. For optimal results, its best to get a facial scar fading cream prescription from your plastic surgeon or dermatologist or have the cream applied at spa. In most cases, the cream will contain properties that help diminish your facial scars so that they blend in with the rest of your skin.

The purpose of these creams is to smooth and lighten raised facial scars so that they are not as noticeable. The creams will not “zap” away your facial scars overnight or ever really, but they will, with continued use, make them so indistinguishable that you forget they are even there. The most cost-effective way to reduce facial scars and improve your appearance is to use facial scar fading creams. It is important to note that you should only apply facial cream to scars that are completely healed. Applying the cream to open wounds can cause infections, irritation, bleeding and/or permanent scarring. 

Laser Scar Removal

Another highly effective facial scar treatment is laser scar removal or laser resurfacing treatments. This type of cosmetic procedure can get rid of your facial scars for good! The downside is that it is quite expensive and it can cause serious side-effects like burns if it is not performed by a qualified medical professional. Moreover, you may require multiple treatments, depending on the treatment area and/or the complexity of the case. If you think that this may be the best treatment for you, schedule a consultation with a medical professional and discuss your options.

This professional will assess your skin to make sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. He/she will also explain the procedure, recovery, benefits and risks. It is important to note that those with certain skin conditions, those with blood disorder and those who take blood thinners may be ineligible for this facial scar removal treatment. On the other hand, if you are eligible for the treatment, you can expect to see a 50 to 75% reduction in your facial scars, following your first laser scar removal treatment.  

References:

Facial Plastic Surgery. (2014). Understanding facial scar treatment. Retrieved from             http://www.aafprs.org/patient/procedures/facial_scar.html

Repinski, K. (2012). The best scar treatments. Fitness. Retrieved from             http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/beauty/skin-care/clear/best-scar-treatments/

University of Maryland Medical Center. (2014). Facial scar revision. Retrieved from:              https://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/scar-revision