Scars

Types of Scars and Treatments
Scars may appear as discolorations, raised or pitted areas of the skin, or have a different texture from surrounding skin. These are the natural result of the body’s healing process, often induced by an overproduction of collagen, or a loss of fat or muscle under the scar from the original injury. Some scars are simply lightly discolored or textured. Darker, raised skin that exceeds the size of the original wound, which are called keloids are caused by an overproduction of collagen during the healing process. Like keloids, hypertrophic scars are caused by an over production of collagen. However, these usually occur in areas where there is much tension on the skin. Acne Scars are sometimes pitted or depressed areas. Laser treatment may minimize discoloration, while filler injections may temporarily aid pitting.

Treating Scars
There are multiple ways to treat scars depending on their type and severity. Some scars are painful, but most are harmless, and are removed only for aesthetic purposes. Acne scars may be reduced by lasers, topical creams, filler injections if pitting has occurred, or microneedling.  Keloids or hypertrophic scars may be removed or reduced surgically, and laser resurfacing can be effective for superficial scarring treatment as well as treatment with microneedling.