Facial scars not only take a toll on a person’s physical appearance but also on their mental and emotional health. Scars that are deep and large, and located in noticeable areas on the face, like the forehead or the cheeks, are particularly harder to live with.
Luckily, The Esthetic clinics offer multiple treatments for scar removal depending on the type of scar, its severity, and a person’s overall health. A patient can schedule an appointment with their cosmetologist, Dr. Rinky Kapoor, for evaluation and to determine the suitable treatment.
Causes of Facial Scars
The face is probably the most exposed part of the body and therefore more prone to accidents and injuries. There are many factors that can cause facial scars including;
Accidents: Accidents are unfortunate and inevitable. The face is easily prone to accidents like falls, and injuries that cause cuts, lacerations, burns, and abrasions, which may lead to the development of scars.
Burns: Burns on the face is another factor that can cause severe scarring. They can occur as a result of exposure to fire, hot liquids, and chemicals. Deep and extensive burns are the worst as they may cause more prominent scars.
Acne: Severe or cystic acne can leave behind deep, pitted scars on the face. These scars may be difficult to treat and usually require a combination of different treatments.
Surgery: Surgeries are invasive procedures that may leave scars and prominent marks. When surgery is done on the face, the surgical site may heal but fail to fade the cuts that were made. This may cause scarring and can be easily noticeable if the surgery was extensive.
Skin conditions: Some skin conditions may also lead to scarring if they occur on the face. If conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea are not properly treated or managed, they may leave scars.
Infections: There are certain infections that may also leave scars after they are treated and healed. Infections such as chickenpox or shingles can leave behind scars on the face, especially if they were severe or the patient scratched the affected areas.
Different factors can cause facial scars which may require different approaches from medical or cosmetic professionals. How severe the scar appears varies depending on the location, the cause, and the depth of the injury.
The Esthetic Clinics is one of the best clinics in Mumbai that provides different treatments for different types of facial scars. Patients can schedule an appointment with the professionals to determine the best approach.
Types of Facial Scars
The type of facial scars depends on how severe and extensive the injury was and what caused it. They all have different symptoms and require different treatments.
Some common types of facial scars are:
Keloid scars: Keloid scars usually develop when there is an overproduction of collagen when an injury is healing. They appear as raised, thick scars that extend beyond the original injury site, and tend to be more common in people who have a darker complexion. If left unattended, Keloid scars can grow over time and the victim can experience symptoms like itchiness and pain.
Hypertrophic scars: Hypertrophic scars are similar to keloid scars except these don’t grow over time or extend beyond the original injury site like Keloid. They are also caused by overproduction of collagen and appear to be thick and raised, and red or pink in color.
Contracture scars: Contracture scars occur after an injury like a burn damages the skin and the underlying tissues. Victims experience symptoms such as tight skin on the affected area, which limits movement in that area.
Atrophic scars: Atrophic scars are mostly caused by skin conditions like acne and chickenpox. They usually appear as indented or depressed, and occur when the body produces too little collagen during the healing process.
Stretch marks: Stretch marks are thin and flat, and appear to be pink, purple, and white in color. They are also a type of atrophic scar that occurs when the skin is stretched rapidly, such as during pregnancy or rapid weight gain.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may not be considered a true scar but can occur after an injury or skin condition. It causes the skin to appear to be darker and can last for a couple of months.
A professional cosmetologist or dermatologist like Dr. Rinky Kapoor can help patients determine the cause and types of the scar, and recommend the best treatment options depending on individual needs.
Treatment Options for Facial Scars
There are multiple treatment options in India to treat different kinds of facial scars. The treatment chosen by the dermatologist and the patient depends on factors such as the type, severity, and location of the scar.
Here are some common treatment options:
- Topical treatments
Topical treatments include silicone gels or sheets that work by providing proper hydration to the skin and promoting the production of collagen. They can be prescribed by a medical professional or obtained as over-the-counter medication and can help to reduce the appearance of scars.
Some types of topical treatments include;
Silicone gels or sheets: Silicone gels or sheets help promote the production of collagen and hydrate the skin, and are mostly used in cases of Keloid and Hypertrophic scars. To use it, patients simply need to apply it directly to the scar.
Vitamin E: Patients can apply vitamin E oil or cream directly to the scar to help improve its appearance. The natural antioxidant mainly helps by promoting healing and reducing inflammation. Applying vitamin E oil or cream directly to the scar can help to improve its appearance.
Onion extract: Onion extract is another natural remedy that can help reduce the appearance of the scar by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. To use it, just apply it directly to the scar.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is also a natural antioxidant. It helps promote collagen production to improve the appearance of the scar. Continuous application of vitamin C serum or cream to the scar can help to reduce its appearance over time.
Retinoids: Retinoids are a derivative of vitamin A that helps improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of scars by promoting collagen production. Prescription retinoids, such as Retin-A, can be applied directly to the scar.
For many types of facial scars, topical treatments are a useful option for reducing the appearance of the scars. Keep in mind that it takes a couple of weeks, or even months to start seeing the results.
- Corticosteroid injections
Depending on the type of scar, corticosteroid injections can help to reduce the size and thickness of the scar. It is especially effective for hypertrophic and keloid scars. It works by reducing inflammation and suppressing the body’s immune response.
They are usually injected into the scar, to help break down the excess collagen that is causing the scar to become raised and thickened. This mechanism can help to flatten the scar and reduce its size over time.
During administration of this treatment, the dermatologist or cosmetologist first numbs the injection site with local anesthesia to help with the pain and reduce discomfort, then injects a small amount of medication directly into the scar tissue.
To achieve optimal results, the injections may need to be administered several times over a couple of months. It is also important for patients to understand that corticosteroid injections can be effective in reducing the size and thickness of hypertrophic and keloid scars, but they are not the solution for all types of scars.
Like any other medical and cosmetic procedure, corticosteroid injections also have their own potential risks and side effects. This may include skin thinning, discoloration, and the potential for the scar to become more pronounced if the injections are not performed correctly.
Patients should discuss with a professional the risks and benefits of the treatment and whether it is the most suitable option for their individual needs.
- Laser therapy
Laser therapy can be an effective treatment option for certain types of facial scars. This treatment works by targeting the scar tissue and promoting collagen. It is a non-invasive option that can be effective in reducing the appearance of facial scars.
During the treatment, high-intensity light is concentrated to heat the scar tissue. This causes the tissue to break down and stimulate the production of collagen, hence helping to reduce the size and thickness of the scar, as well as improve the skin texture and tone.
There are two types of laser therapy treatments that can be used to treat facial scars;
Ablative lasers: Ablative lasers are the more effective option. It works by removing the top layer of the skin and heating the underlying tissue, to remain with a better-looking skin.
Non-ablative lasers: Non-ablative lasers are also quite effective. They work like ablative lasers, only that they penetrate the skin without removing the top layer tissue. They are a good option if the scars are not that deep.
Regardless of the type of laser therapy treatment used, it should be performed by a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon in a face scar treatment clinic. The procedure may require local anesthesia or a topical numbing cream to reduce discomfort and make it less painful.
The length of the procedure will depend on the size and location of the scar, and multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results. Also, patients should note that laser treatments may not be for everyone and may not be effective for all types of scars.
They should consult with a professional to determine the appropriate treatment for their specific issues.
- Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion treatment is a surgical procedure that uses a specialized device to reduce the appearance of scars by removing the top layer of the skin and promoting new skin growth.
During the treatment, the surgeon administers local anesthesia or sedation, and then using a high-speed rotary tool, he/ she removes the top layer of skin and smooths out the scar tissue. Depending on the size and the location of the scar, it may take him/ her up to an hour to complete the procedure.
After the procedure, the patients will experience symptoms such as redness and swollenness on the skin, which may take several weeks to heal. The skin may also be a little more sensitive during the healing process and the patient may be given some aftercare instructions such as avoiding sun exposure and using a gentle moisturizer, to help alleviate the symptoms.
Dermabrasion is an extreme procedure that is only recommended for extreme cases and deep scars caused by injuries. Only a professional cosmetologist like Dr. Rinky Kapoor should perform this procedure.
Like any other surgical procedure, dermabrasion also carries some risks and side effects, including infection, scarring, and changes in skin color.
- Chemical peels
Chemical peels are a common treatment in Mumbai that most people find best suitable for a lot of skin issues. It involves the application of a chemical solution onto the skin, which peels off the top layer of the skin to leave healthier, better-looking skin. It also promotes new skin growth and can help reduce the appearance of scars.
The process is not as complicated. The practitioner applies a chemical solution containing an acid on the skin, leaves it on for a period of time, and then removes it. This causes the top layer of the skin to peel off and reveals smoother, healthier skin underneath. The strength and type of acid used will depend on the type and severity of the scar.
The treatment can be effective in cases of acne scars, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. It is also a popular treatment to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
After the procedure, the skin may be red and sensitive and require special care. Patients are advised to stay away from the sun and use a gentle moisturizer. Multiple treatments may be needed to achieve the desired results.
Like any other procedure alike, chemical peels have some potential risks and side effects including redness, swelling, and scarring. It’s important to work with a reputable clinic like The Esthetic Clinics to determine the correct course and treatments for individual cases.
- Surgery
In severe cases, surgeries may be considered the best course of action. This is particularly so if the scars are restricting proper functionality or movement. There are different types of surgeries that can be done depending on the severity of the scar;
Surgical scar revision: The goal of surgical scar revision is typically to make the scar less noticeable or blend in with the surrounding skin. In the procedure, the doctor would remove the scar tissue and rejoin the edges of the skin with fine stitches.
The treatment is performed under local anesthesia or sedation and can take up to an hour to complete. Thereafter, the skin may appear to be red and swollen and may require special care, such as avoiding the sun and using a gentle moisturizer.
Skin grafting: Skin grafting is usually performed in cases where the scar is large, or covers a large area of the face. During the procedure, the doctor takes a small piece of skin from another part of the body and attaches it to the area of the scar.
Z-plasty: Z-plasty is a technique used to reposition scars to follow the natural lines and contours of the face. The practitioner would make a Z-shaped incision on either side of the scar and then rotate the flaps of skin to reposition it.
Like any other surgical procedure, surgical scar revision has risks and side effects. The patients may experience infection, scarring, and changes in skin color. It is important that only a qualified surgeon performs this procedure. Patients can consult with one from The Esthetic Clinics and determine the best surgery or treatments for their scar.
Microneedling: Microneedling, as the name suggests, involves using a device with small needles to promote new skin growth. The procedure is minimally invasive and can be used to improve the appearance of certain types of facial scars.
Typically, the practitioner uses a device with small, fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. The punctures stimulate the body’s natural healing process, by breaking up the scar tissues and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.
This treatment can be effective for reducing the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles, as well as improving the overall texture and tone of the skin.
Choosing the Right Treatment
There are several factors that go into choosing the right procedure for specific types of facial scars. Patients are urged to work with professional dermatologists and plastic surgeons like Dr. Rinky Kapoor, who can help them understand the different options they have and choose the best one.
Here are some tips for choosing the right treatment:
Consult with a qualified dermatologist or cosmetologist: Dr. Rinky Kapoor of The Esthetic Clinic has a long list of happy patients that can attest to his great work. Patients are urged to only consult and work with experienced practitioners who can recommend suitable treatments and help them achieve their desired results.
Consider the type and severity of the scar: Different types of scars may require different types of treatment. With the help of a professional, patients should consider the type and severity of the scar before choosing a treatment.
Consider the location of the scar: Scars on the forehead, cheeks, and other prominent areas of the face may require a different treatment approach than scars in the chin, jaws, and other less visible areas.
Consider the skin type and overall health: Some skin conditions and health issues overall may not allow for some type of facial scar treatment. For example, patients with darker skin tones are discouraged from undergoing laser therapy as it can cause changes in pigmentation.
Discuss the potential risks and benefits of each treatment: While discussing all the benefits of the treatment, it is important that patients remember to discuss the potential risks too. The dermatologist or plastic surgeon should help weigh all the pros and cons of each option and determine which treatment is the right one.
Ultimately, the best treatment for facial scars only depends on the patient’s individual needs and goals. With the help of a qualified medical professional, they can choose a treatment that will effectively improve the appearance of their scars and boost their confidence and self-esteem.
Face Scars Treatment Before After Photos, See The Patient Results-