On the subject of scars I would first want to clarify the meaning of the term. Not every persisting mark on the skin is a scar.

 

Scars are lines and marks on the skin that arise from a dermal injury sufficient to bring about structural change in the dermis. Typically, a full-thickness dermal injury is necessary, such as a deep cut, to produce a scar. Deep burns, surgical wounds; these cause scars.

 

Superficial burns and abrasions commonly do not cause scars, but may produce some persisting pinkness or pigment change. Such changes resolve with time in the majority of cases.

 

Then again, any full-thickness damage to the skin will definitely produce a scar, regardless of how fine and imperceptible it may be.

 

 

Red scars and brown scars: Judicious laser or IPL use can improve the colour of such scars. In particular, scars with tiny blood vessels coursing over their surface can be improved in these ways.

 

Thick scars: These often require treatment with cortisone injections. A series of cortisone injections will generally make these thick scars thinner, softer and less apparent. If they were red or bright pink they will often improve in colour as well. A combination approach with laser or IPL will generally hasten and improve the outcome.

It is important to inject the cortisone into the scar itself and not into the surrounding fat in the adjacent skin, as cortisone injections into fat will cause fat atrophy, and a worsening of the appearance.

 

Pitted scars: are discussed in the acne and acne scar section.

 

Extensively unsightly scars are often managed surgically by techniques involving excision of the scar and re-suturing. Referral to a surgeon specialized in this field is often required.