A wound may ultimately become a scar after it has healed. Spots on the face may take many different shapes and can be brought on by accidents, acne, burns, or surgery. Scars on your face may take longer to heal since this area of your body is continuously exposed to the elements. Your face is exposed to the environment most of the day, unlike other parts of your body that you can cover or shield while a wound heals. As facial wounds heal, it may not be able to protect them completely, and it could be challenging to prevent medicines (such as ointments and lotions) from rubbing away. The good news is that many alternatives are available to repair face scar. Read about these well-liked techniques and talk to a dermatologist about all the advantages and disadvantages.
Dermabrasion
One of the best and most common treatments for face scars is dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is carried out by a dermatologist instead of the microdermabrasion kits you may purchase at the pharmacy. Your face’s top layer of skin is exfoliated with a wheel or a wire brush.
The following are a few dermabrasion side effects:
- Infection
- Lightened skin tone
- Swelling and ruddiness
- Variable skin tone
Chemical Exfoliants
Mild acids are used in chemical peels, which are applied to the skin in a single layer. The outcome is that the epidermis, the top layer of skin, exfoliates and rolls off to reveal a new layer of skin.
Three different kinds of chemical peels exist:
The most popular form of peel for scars is the deep peel, which penetrates the skin more deeply and employs phenol.
Peeling off the top layer of skin may help with minor scar discoloration and has softer side effects.
Although it may address discoloration, the medium peel’s glycolic acid is often used in anti-aging procedures.
According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, deep peels may take up to three weeks to cure since they are so severe. Your face will be bandaged, and you must change the dressings daily. To be healthy, you may also need to take antiviral drugs.
Chemical peels are generally accessible since they are a standard skin treatment. But only a board-certified dermatologist should do a peel on you if you want to treat scars.
Resurfacing Using Laser
Similar to chemical peels and dermabrasion, laser resurfacing removes the epidermis. In contrast to acids and tools, laser resurfacing removes skin using intense laser beams.
Erbium and carbon dioxide laser resurfacing are the two varieties. Erbium is the safest technique for the face, although carbon dioxide works best for scar treatment. It would help to keep the area wrapped after leaving the doctor’s office until fully healed.
Looking Into Plastic Surgery
A different kind of therapy is plastic surgery. Surgery is more intrusive than the previous treatments outlined since the scar tissue is physically removed or changed with a knife. Your doctor may remove the scar from the epidermis or even reposition it to lessen its appearance, depending on your objectives and the severity of the spot. For this operation, as opposed to the other treatment alternatives, you may need to consult a plastic surgeon rather than a dermatologist. Always seek a board-certified surgeon with experience doing facial scar plastic surgery.
Home Remedies
Treatment for face scars at home is said to be less intrusive and more cost-effective. You already have many of these cures in your pantry or medical closet. Some alternatives include the following:
- Petroleum jelly: the moisturizing properties of petroleum jelly may stop scars from growing worse.
- Bleaching kits: These are available for purchase in stores.
- Honey: It could aid in reducing inflammation and infections.
Reducing And Avoiding Scarring
Skin wound care may lessen or even stop scarring from happening in the first place. Keep your face clean if you have a wound or cut. Applying Vaseline or petroleum jelly to the injury may help keep it moist and stop the development of a scab. Topical antibiotics like Neosporin are not required since cleaning the wound with mild soap and water is adequate.
After scars have healed, using sunscreen may help reduce their appearance. You can stop sun exposure from causing a spot to develop brown or red by applying sunscreen daily to your face. Sunscreen may aid in the fading of scars. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Takeaways
There are several treatments for face scars, but the best one for you will depend on your finances, risks, and the kind of scar you have. Working with your dermatologist will help you choose the best course of action. Remembering that most faults are permanent is also crucial. While a particular therapy may significantly lessen a scar’s appearance, it cannot eliminate it.
It is unlikely to worsen once a wound has healed and left a scar. See your doctor immediately if the area starts to itch, become red, or grow.