Scars are the body’s natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin which are caused due to burns, infections, long term skin problems like psoriasis etc or due to a physical injury or any other trauma on the skin.The scars which are minor can be treated with medication like creams antibiotics or through home remedies like putting cold water, milk or potato skin or alovera gel.But these home remedies are effective only up to a point in the case of small scars. For a permanent solution and when the scars cause more damage and are visible , it’s best to go to a dermatologist, who can help suggest the best cosmetic procedure for you.

Types of scars:

Depending on the cause, scars are broadly divided into two categories: Acne scars and post-traumatic scars (caused by trauma such as accident, injury, burn etc.) and depending on the shape and depth, scars are classified into 3 different types: 1.Box type scars - they have a base and height; 2.ice-pick scars – they are pointy, and 3.rolling scars – they don’t have a clear demarcated border.

Cosmetic procedures for scar Management:

There are various methods  and procedurs for treating scare which have been tested and approved through the regulatory mechanisms and have proven to be effective and popular with time

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a small procedure which involves a gentle sandblasting. Usually , aluminium-oxide crystals are used to gently sandblast the skin. It helps remove the top layer of the skin and dead skin cells, leaving behind a more even and smooth textured skin. Since this procedure doesn't have a resting period, one can carry on with their lives as usual, immediately after its done. However, sunscreen is a must before stepping out into the sun.

Note:This method won’t heal your scars in one setting, and will require repeated sessions depending on the depth of the scar.

Subcision

Subcision,  is also called as subcutaneous incision-less surgery which is a  minor surgical procedure and is an effective method to treat deep scars and even wrinkles, using a needle.In this procedure, an anaesthetic cream is applied on the scarred area at least 45 minutes prior to the treatment. After which, a 5 cc needle is inserted at an angle of 45 degree.

This technique involves breaking the fibrotic strands around or at the base of the scars. The scar’s depression is lifted by the releasing action of the procedure, as well as from connective tissue that forms during the course of normal wound healing. In this case, the complete healing will take around 20 to 25 days. During this time, one experiences swelling in the area of treatment. However, the external swelling and redness subsides in two days.

Note: The post-treatment care is necessary for proper healing. Stay away from the sun, do not use hot water on your treated skin and try to stay away from hot temperature, as sweating too must be avoided, for at least two days after the treatment. For best results, you will need about 3 to 4 sessions,”

Dermaroller

This treatment is recommended for those with who have  many scars.  Like in the case of subcision, anaesthetic cream is applied on the area, followed by moving the dermaroller (a roller with fine needles) on the affected area. Here, the skin is pierced very lightly (often compared to acupuncture) without causing any damage to the skin. This, triggers nerve-stimulus, promoting regeneration of skin around the area where the puncture occurred.In cases of severe scarring, using both subcision and the dermaroller  will give effective results.

Laser treatment

Laser is a popular method of scar treatment where fractional or CO2 lasers are used to reduce appearance of scars. Note:Multiple sessions will be needed for effective removal of scars and this could be quite expensive too.
Fillers

 It is a one-time temporary procedure and  it’s effect diminishes with time, but provide an instant result. So the  patient may have to repeat this after a year.