Scar Treatment 101
The best care for scars starts immediately. Knowing
the proper care and treatment for potential scarring is important to know before the
damage is done. Among my favorite initial scar treatments is the topical
use of Biocorneum. This silicone based gel acts as an anti-inflammatory,
improves redness of scars and helps to diminish their size and overall noticeability.
For best results it should be applied twice a day and
massaged into the scar tissue softly. Biocorneum is available at physician
offices only, where it is dispensed. Over the counter alternatives, which
can be found in stores or online, include products such as Mederma, Kelocote
and Scar Guard.
While Biocorneum does contain sun protection, I always
recommend a physical sun block be used concurrently. The sun loves to
further accentuate vessels and redness, which we want to decrease in scars, so
protection from the sun is essential.
Scars reach their maturity by about one year. The first
few months are by far the most important. As scars approach 6 months and
on there is less of a chance for improvement. If hyperpigmentation exists
you may need to add a bleaching agent to lighten. Every case is always
unique -- one of the true beauties of aesthetics.
After you've done everything you can with creams, the
best in-office treatments include fractionated lasers (for textural
discrepancies) or lasers which target the redness (for vascular changes). My
approach after good topical care is typically with a combination of
fractionated laser treatments and IPL (Intense Pulse Light) sessions. I
always stress to patients that no treatment removes a scar. If
you make that clear prior to treatment their expectations are much more
realistic and both parties are happier. And as always, start treatment as
soon as possible for best results!