While it may seem like there’s no hope for getting rid of your plastic surgery scars, quite a few remedies are available.
Let’s look at a few of the most popular scar treatments today, such as:
Steroid Injections
When dealing with thick, raised scars, you may consider steroid injections. And for a good reason — steroid injections can help to soften and flatten scar tissue. They work by interrupting the production of collagen, a key component of scar tissue.
The number of injections you’ll need depends on the severity of your scars. In some cases, just a few injections may be enough to see noticeable results. For others, it may take six to eight injections or more.
But there are a few things to remember when getting steroid injections:
- The injection site should be clean and dry. Steroids can increase the risk of infection, so take extra care in keeping the injection site clean.
- Inject the medication slowly and steadily. If your aesthetician injects too quickly, it might increase the pain and irritation at the injection site.
- Put pressure on the injection site after injecting the medication. Doing so helps to prevent bruising and bleeding.
- Avoid touching or rubbing the injection site. Again, this helps reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply ice on the injection site after injecting the medication. Doing it helps numb any pain or swelling that may occur.
- Be sure to follow up with your doctor as scheduled. To monitor your progress and ensure the injections are working as intended.
Also, there are several benefits of using steroid injections for scar treatment, including:
- Minimizing the appearance of scars
- Reducing itchiness and discomfort
- Improving flexibility
- Allowing for an easier range of motion
- Preventing further damage to the skin
Silicone Gel Sheets
They work by providing a barrier to your scar, which helps to prevent further irritation. They also help keep the area hydrated, which is vital for preventing scars.
You can find these over-the-counter at your local pharmacy or online. But to ensure that you get the most out of your silicone gel sheets, follow these steps.
- Start with clean skin. Make sure your scar is clean and dry before you start.
- Cut the gel sheet to size. You want the gel sheet to be big enough to cover the scar but not so big that it hangs over the edge of the wound.
- Apply the gel sheet. Gently press the gel sheet into place on top of the scar.
- Secure the gel sheet. Use medical tape or band-aids to secure the edges of the gel sheet in place.
- Leave it overnight. Leave the gel sheet for at least eight hours, preferably overnight.
- Remove the gel sheet in the morning. Gently peel off the gel sheet, careful not to pull on the scar. If the gel sheet is stuck, wet it with warm water to loosen it before removing it.
- Repeat daily until the scar fades. For best results, use silicone gel sheets once or twice daily for several months.
- Keep it clean. Wash your hands before handling silicone gel sheets. Then, sterilize them with alcohol before each use if they’re reusable.
- Don’t forget to moisturize. After removing the sheet, apply a thin layer of silicone scar cream or lotion to keep your skin hydrated.
- Have patience. Keep up with your treatment regimen, and you should eventually see improvements.
Skin Needling
As we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.
Making tiny punctures in the skin through skin needling signals the body to start producing collagen. It gives our skin its elasticity and strength. It also helps to fill in scars and give them a more even appearance.
Increasing collagen with skin needling can help improve the appearance of post-surgical scars.
On top of that, several other benefits of skin needling make it an attractive treatment for many. These benefits include:
- Low-risk profile. Skin needling has a very low-risk profile compared to other cosmetic procedures. Side effects are rare and typically limited to temporary redness or bruising.
- Relatively low cost. An affordable treatment compared to other options, such as laser resurfacing or dermabrasion.
- Minimally invasive. Doesn’t need any anesthesia or downtime for recovery. You can typically go about your normal activities immediately after your treatment session.
And to ensure that your skin needling experience is safe and effective, you must…
- Choose a reputable practitioner. In skin needling, choose a qualified practitioner with experience performing the procedure.
- Cleanse your skin. Before your skin needling appointment, be sure to cleanse your skin thoroughly. Doing so will help ensure that the needles can penetrate the skin easily.
- Apply a numbing cream. Skin needling can be slightly painful. But you can apply a numbing cream before the procedure. This way, you can lessen any discomfort.
- Moisturize afterward. After your skin needling session, be sure to moisturize your skin well. Doing so will help to soothe any irritation and keep your skin hydrated.
Scar Therapy
Depending on your case, one kind of therapy may work better than the others. These are three of the most popular types of scar therapy:
| Therapy | Process | Target |
| Pressure Therapy | Physical therapy uses compression to reduce the size of a scar. The compression helps flatten the scar so it’s less visible. Pressure therapy can also help relieve itching and pain associated with scars. | Hypertrophic scars: Raised scars that are red or purple |
| Radiation Therapy | Radiation therapy uses high-energy waves to damage the cells in a scar. This damage causes the cells to break down. Also, it improves the appearance of a scar and relieves itching and associated pain. | Keloid scars: Grow beyond the boundaries of the wound |
| Cryotherapy | Cryotherapy uses freezing temperatures to destroy abnormal tissue. And aside from improving scars’ appearance, it’s often used to remove warts. Also, it helps flatten raised scars and reduce redness. | Hypertrophic scars and keloids |
