Scars

scars

What are scars?

Scars are spots on the skin where there is some disruption in normal collagen in response to a previous injury. Of note, it’s not just discoloration (or a blemish). Scars may be sunken beneath the normal skin surface or raised above it, they can be lighter than your normal skin color, darker than your normal skin color or red/pink. In any case, they are bothersome because the texture and color is different than your normal skin. 

If you have scars that make you feel uncomfortable, you might want to consider scar improvement treatment. A Board-certified dermatologist can tell you what type of treatment may help diminish the appearance of your scars. Schedule an appointment with Steele Dermatology online or give us a call at (770) 464-6000.

What causes scars?

Scars are caused by cuts, scrapes, surgeries, acne, or any other injury to the skin. Anytime the skin is traumatized, the result is a scar. There is no way to cut the skin and not get one, however it doesn’t have to be ugly or obvious. Often times, they go unnoticed because they are minimally different in color and texture than the surrounding skin. It can even be a long scar and not look bad, as long as the texture and color blends in well. The way they heal depends on where it’s located on the skin, how it was repaired/stitched, and how the original injury occurred. 

Where do you get scars?

Scars can occur anywhere on the skin. They actually tend to heal best in the areas with the best blood supply and the least tension. Because of the great blood supply, those on the face can heal very well under the right conditions.  Those on the chest and back can be more challenging because of the tension on the skin in those areas. Altogether, scars turn out best when they are well taken care of immediately after they are made.

How do we treat scars?

We try to make sunken scars more raised, raised ones more flat, dark scars lighter and light ones darker. We try to avoid cutting them out and re-doing them (also known as scar revision), if possible. In that case, we have to re-initiate the whole healing process and can risk a similar result in the end. Instead, we use a combination of procedures and products that gradually bring the scar tissue close to normal skin. Lasers and microneedling can stimulate collagen to even out texture, lasers, peels and creams can fix the color, and steroid injections can flatten out the scar. Scars often require repeated treatments and multiple types of treatment to get the texture and color just right.

Laser skin resurfacing

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser CO2 Resurfacing is a powerful laser treatment that smooths and tightens skin. The energy from this laser can blast away skin that shows deep scars, wrinkles, and other textural changes.

Microneedling

Microneedling

Microneedling is a procedure where tiny needles puncture the skin in a repeated and controlled manner. The needles spark the natural healing process in the skin, to make new fresh skin and repair scars and damaged skin. Numbing is required prior to the procedure to ensure that we are able to reach the proper therapeutic depth and medical grade results.

Laser Genesis Skin Toning

Laser Skin Toning – Laser Genesis

Laser Skin Toning with Laser Genesis is a safe and effective laser treatment to help even skin texture and tone/color for all skin types. A no downtime, “lunchtime” laser treatment that stimulates healthy collagen remodeling to smooth the texture. May be helpful for mild scarring/acne scarring, and also in conjunction with other procedures like microneedling.

Excel 5 Laser

Laser Redness and Vascular Treatment – Excel V

Excel V Laser Treatments are specifically designed to address redness and vascular (blood vessel issues). For scars that are red/pink, this laser is one of the best ways to treat the abnormalities and bring the scar color back to normal to blend in with surrounding skin.

Dermal fillers

Dermal Fillers

Injectable fillers are used to add volume to areas of the skin that are lacking. In the case of scars, they may be sunken in due to inadequate collagen or fat underlying the area, so fillers may elevate those sunken areas. We often use them with other treatments like microneedling or laser. Today’s fillers are usually hyaluronic acids, but can be also be collagen, calcium hydroxyapatite or your own fat.

Recommended products

Schedule an Appointment

With offices conveniently located in Atlanta and Alpharetta, Steele Dermatology offers several treatment options for the removal of scars. To learn which treatment may be right for you, schedule an appointment or give us a call at (770) 464-6000.

New Location Alert
Our former Buckhead office on Pharr Rd. has relocated to a stunning new facility at:
2716 Piedmont Rd. Atlanta, GA 30305
Make an Appointment
New Location Alert
Our former Buckhead office on Pharr Rd. has relocated to a stunning new facility at:
2716 Piedmont Rd. Atlanta, GA 30305
Make an Appointment
Our old Buckhead office on Pharr Rd., has moved to a beautiful new facility located at: 2716 Piedmont Rd. Atlanta, GA 30305
New Buckhead Location!
Contact Us
New Buckhead Location!
Our old Buckhead office on Pharr Rd., has moved to beautiful new facility located at: 2716 Piedmont Rd. Atlanta, GA 30305
Contact Us