As hard as you try to take care of your skin and protect it from damage, sometimes it’s unavoidable. Scarring is a natural reaction to trauma, whether through injury, surgery, or blemishes.
Many of us suffer from scars at some point in our lives. As a result, different methods to treat them are in use.
For the most problem-causing concerns, surgery is a last resort option. Instead of going under the knife, plenty of non-surgical approaches to scar revision exist.
We’re looking at some of the most popular approaches to reducing the impact of scarring today. From injectables to lasers, there’s a solution for nearly every issue.
Let’s get into the non-surgical scar revision treatments most in use today!
What is non-surgical scar revision?
Scars are the body’s natural reaction to wounds and trauma. When your skin is damaged, the tissue that grows in the cut differs from the healthy area. It’s less flexible and often lighter in color than healthy skin. It may also cause problems with movement and mobility.
When large areas of the body are scarred, surgical scar revision is often necessary. This approach returns some normal functions to the site.
Non-surgical scar revision covers a large swath of treatment options. Usually applied to less severe scarring, they’re still effective at reducing the appearance and nature of scar tissue. It covers abrasives, laser skin resurfacing, steroid injections, and dermal fillers.
Is non-surgical scar revision safe?
Generally speaking, most non-surgical approaches to scar revision are safe. Working with board-certified specialists and doctors, you can expect a safe, non-invasive procedure.
Many treatments fall under the estheticians’ umbrella, while some require a medical license. Topicals are the least risky, and resurfacing and injectables carry the most potential complications.
How does non-surgical scar revision work?
Depending on the approach, each revision works differently.
Peels and resurfacing remove layers of damaged skin cells and encourage the skin to repair itself. By increasing the amount of collagen and elastin produced in the body, they promote healing. Facials, microdermabrasion, and microneedling all fall into this category.
Injectable treatments work in a few ways. First, using steroids or chemicals, they reduce the amount of collagen your body produces. As a consequence, they stop these cells from reproducing.
Another approach with injectables uses dermal fillers. This approach fills in depressions under the skin’s surface and delivers healing formulas to those areas.
Laser therapy is a newer addition to the scar revision toolkit. When applied correctly, the light encourages skin turnover, which promotes less visible tissue.
What should you expect from results?
Whatever approach you decide to take in your scar revision journey, the goal is the same. These treatments reduce the appearance of scarring and alleviate discomfort. Plenty of factors affect how your skin responds, from the depth and age of the tissue to aftercare.
What scars can be treated with scar revision?
Your healthcare provider may be your first thought when it comes to treatment.
However, med spas can treat most scar types that cause concern for their clients. A thorough pre-session screening helps them determine the best modality for your unique situation.
C-section scars
C-section scars can cause mixed emotions in those who bear children. For some, it’s a reminder of how powerful the human body is. And, for others, it’s embarrassing and uncomfortable! Usually, a tummy tuck or c-tuck is the prescribed approach, but non-surgical options are available.
Steroid injections may shrink the appearance of this type of scar because they break up the connection between collagen fibers. Usually, multiple injections are needed to see results.
Microneedling is another tactic that uses a spiked roller to pierce the skin and promote healing.
Doctors may use laser treatment during the early stages of healing to take the redness out of the tissue. Intense pulsed light (IPL) uses another type of light to soften scars that cause pain.
Acne scars
For surface-level scarring, chemical peels and microdermabrasion are especially effective. Many clients receiving this type of treatment see their acne scars all but disappear!
Injectables are commonly used to treat deeper scars. Additionally, dermaplaning and laser therapy reduce their appearance in acne patients.
Burn scars
Burn scars are particularly challenging to treat, especially if they result from deep burns. Frequently, clients suffering from burn scars have restricted mobility and lingering pain.
Topical treatments soften the tissue and can reduce some superficial blemishes. Laser therapy works by breaking down the tight, collagen-rich fibers. Pressure therapy is another approach that combines topical ointments with pressure garments that promote soft, flat healing.
Scars left behind from reconstructive surgeries
Pressure therapy is one of the most effective treatments for surgical scars. If you apply it early, it shouldn’t cause significant problems.
Scars from plastic surgery are, unfortunately, part of the process. No matter the surgeon’s skill, there’s likely to be some scarring. Dermabrasion, dermaplaning, and laser therapy are all commonly used on this type of scar.
Any scar formed by traumatic injury
Scars left behind after trauma often carry emotional baggage. For these patients, removing the scar is a way to close a troubling chapter in their lives. Depending on the extent of the treatment area, different applications work better than others.
Working with a skilled practitioner, you can devise the best plan for your skin. Through consistent attention, scarring can fade, and hopefully, the traumatic memories along with it.
The different non-surgical scar revision techniques
As we’ve discussed, different types of treatments reduce the appearance and texture of healed tissue. These are the most common non-surgical scar revision techniques in use.
Topical treatments
Topical treatments are most effective during the healing process. Some of the simplest things are vitamins E and A to keep skin supple. Beyond that, polyurethane dressings can help scars return to more normal skin color.
Pairing polyurethane dressings with pressure bandages can amplify the results from the dressings. Adding a wrap helps prevent raised scars when the area heals.
Silicone gel sheets keep the wound hydrated and prevent excess tissue from forming.
Steroid injections
After a scar’s already formed, steroid injections can break it down. Reducing the amount of collagen in the tissue helps minimize the size, texture, and color.
Skin resurfacing
This treatment category includes dermaplaning, dermabrasion, chemical peels, laser therapy, and microneedling. While they all have a similar result, breaking down the top layer of skin, the therapeutic value differs.
Non-chemical resurfacing removes the top layer of dead skin cells and promotes healing. Faster cell turnover heals the injured areas quickly.
Microneedling increases blood flow to the area and breaks down scar tissue. It can have a dramatic effect when paired with other solutions.
Laser therapy works below the skin’s surface and reduces redness, and promotes faster cell turnover. Through these combined effects, scars are softened and fade with time.
The Wellness Club is here to help treat you to non-surgical scar revision!
The Wellness Club’s team of medically trained staff can help you begin the scar revision process. With our state-of-the-art tools, your visit to our medspa can restore your confidence.
Our team is dedicated to your long-term wellness, and we’re here for you. Book a consultation on our website today and take your life back!