Scars

Scars show that your body has done its job repairing skin damage, like cuts, acne, and burns. If you don’t like the way a scar looks, dermatology experts Spencer Hamner, PA-C, Christine D. Brown, MD, and their team at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose in Montrose, Colorado, provide several effective scar treatments to minimize your scars’ appearances. Call Integrated Dermatology of Montrose or schedule an appointment online for scar treatments today.

What are scars?

Scars are evidence left behind by your body’s remarkable natural healing process. When your skin is torn, cut, or injured in any way, your skin responds to the injury by repairing the damage with new skin cells and collagen fibers. This repairs the injury, but the new skin differs from the old.

Scars can have many distinct features: Some are raised while others are indented into your skin. They also vary in color. While many scars eventually fade away over time as the healing process continues, some are there to stay permanently. If you don’t like the way a scar looks, you may consider one of the many dermatological treatments available for scarring. 

What are some of the most common types of scars?

Not all scars are the same even though many of them originate from similar damage to the skin. The team at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose can recommend the appropriate treatment for common scar types like:

Atrophic scars

Atrophic scars are scars that are sunken into your skin. Acne scars are common, and they can become more noticeable over time as your skin naturally loses collagen with age. 

Hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic scars are raised from the level of your skin. They may flatten over time, but they do not spread. 

Keloid scars

Keloid scars are raised above the level of your skin and can be large enough to affect your movement. They can also spread as they grow larger. 

Contracture scars

Contracture scars are common from burns, which cause your skin to get tighter. When these scars are large enough, they can be highly restrictive to movement. 

How are scars treated?

Although many scars aren’t uncomfortable or restrictive to your movement, you may be interested in treating them for cosmetic reasons if you don’t like the way they look. Fortunately, plenty of treatments are available to help your skin continue its healing process or break down excessive scar tissue. 

Integrated Dermatology of Montrose treats a variety of scar types using methods like:

• Corticosteroids
• Laser or light therapies
• Cryosurgery
• Scar revision surgery
• Vitamin A or vitamin E
• Silicone sheets or ointment

Acne scars, which tend to cause mild bumps and texture rather than a single raised or indented mark, respond to additional gentle treatments like chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser skin rejuvenation. These procedures work by resurfacing your skin, which allows younger and healthier cells to rise to the surface. 

Call Integrated Dermatology of Montrose or schedule a visit online to review scar treatment options today.