There are several options when one wants to reduce or eliminate existing scars. The possibility of eliminating or treating a scar depends primarily on its size, depth and age

Laser Surgery & Resurfacing

The use of lasers on scars is an experimental treatment option. The safety or effectiveness of this method has not yet been demonstrated.

The redness of scars can be reduced by treatment with a vascular laser. Some have claimed that removing layers of skin with a carbon dioxide laser can help flatten scars, although this treatment is still highly experimental.

Steroid injections

A long term treatment of steroid injections under professional guidance, into the scar can help flatten and soften the look of keloid or hypertrophic scars.

The steroid is injected into the lesion itself and very little is absorbed into the blood stream. Side effects of this treatment are minor. This treatment is repeated at 4-6 week intervals.

Pressure garments

Pressure garments should be used only under surveillance by a medical professional. They are most often employed for burn scars that cover a large area, this treatment is only efficient on recent scars.

Pressure garments are commonly custom-fabricated from elastic materials, and fit tightly around the scarring. They serve best when they are used 24 hours a day for six months to one year.

It is believed that they work by applying constant pressure to surface blood vessels and eventually causing scars to flatten and become softer.

Radiotherapy

Low-dose, external radiotherapy, is used to prevent re-occurrence of severe keloid and hypertrophic scarring. It is commonly efficient, but only used in extreme cases due to the risk of long-term side effects.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion involves the elimination of the surface of the skin with special instruments and usually involves a general anaesthetic. It is useful when the lesion is raised above the surrounding skin, but is less efficient with sunken scars.

Collagen injections

Collagen injections can be used to raise depressed scars to the level of surrounding skin. This is, however, a temporary scar treatment option, and it requires regular injections. There is also a risk in some people of an allergic reaction.

Other treatments

There are also several of gel sheets available which are commonly elaborated from silicone, which can help to flatten and soften raised scars if used constantly. Silicone, topical cortisone, occlusion, pressure and vitamin E have all been shown to decrease the collagen that creates scars. Patches and pads help but are ugly so people tend to stop using them.

A popular treatment among plastic surgeons is silicone gel that improves the look of scars and avoids abnormal or exaggerated scar formation. Also chemical peels performed by a dermatologist using glycolic acid can be used to reduce acne scarring.