If you have a scar from chicken pox, surgery, or an old injury, imagine what it would look like if it were magnified on a 70-foot movie screen! Luckily for actors and actresses, who have to look flawless for a living — not to mention the rest of us! — there are in-office treatments that can help diminish the appearance of scars.
Depressed scars look like a hole or pit. They form when the skin’s collagen is destroyed by inflammation (like acne) or infection (like chicken pox). Picking off a scab can also produce pitted scars. Shallow scars can be improved with a series of microdermabrasion treatments or injectable fillers such as Juvéderm or Restylane. Large areas can be treated with a chemical peel or laser, which removes the damaged skin, allowing new, fresh skin to heal in more smoothly. For deeper scars, a surgeon can excise (cut out) the scar and stitch the skin back together. These more aggressive treatments often require a few weeks of strict sun avoidance, in addition to preparation with prescription-strength creams, and the skin may take weeks to heal.
Raised, bumpy scars typically occur after surgery or an injury. If you have a new one, you can help soften it by gently massaging the scar for 10 to 15 minutes a day. Use vitamin E oil or any bland moisturizer to prevent chafing. Be sure the skin is healed over (no scabs) before you start, and if your scar is from a recent surgery, check with your doctor first. If your scar is lumpy, tender, or itchy, it may be a keloid. This type of scar is mostly found on the earlobes, chest, and upper back. Silicone gel sheets (found at many pharmacies) can help flatten them. I
0 comments:
Post a Comment