Facial scars vary from mild to severe. For some people, they can be an unwanted reminder of a traumatic accident, and for others, they might be remnants of stressful times as a teenager with bad acne.

The best treatment for facial scars will depend on the individual and the specific characteristics of the scar. It is important to talk to a qualified healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment option for your personal situation.

Here, renowned board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jose Barrera discusses the different types of treatments available to deal with facial scars.

What are the Treatments for Facial Scarring?

There are several different treatments that can be used to improve the appearance of facial scars, including:

• Topical treatments: These are creams or gels that can be applied directly to the scar. They may contain ingredients that can help to soften and flatten the scar, such as vitamin E, onion extract, or silicone.
• Injections: Injections of corticosteroids or other dermal fillers can be used to help reduce the appearance of raised scars.
• Laser therapy: This type of treatment uses a specialized laser to remove the top layer of skin and stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin. Treatments include Intense Pulsed Light therapy or laser resurfacing.
• Microdermabrasion: This treatment involves using a specialized device to gently exfoliate the skin and remove the top layer of scar tissue.
• Chemical peels: Chemical peels use a solution to remove the top layer of skin and improve the texture and appearance of the scar.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgical excision may be necessary to remove the scar completely. This can be an effective treatment, but it may leave a new scar in its place.

Which Treatment is Best for Me?

As mentioned, the best treatment for your facial scar will depend on the scar itself.

Factors to consider involve the size of the scar, its shape, its depth, its location, and any discoloration.

Generally speaking, more widespread scars that are smaller and not particularly deep, such as mild acne scars, are often treated with laser or chemical peel treatments. This is because of the larger yet less specific area covered by the scarring.

In contrast, larger, single scars, such as animal bites or from accidents, are often treated with laser therapy or surgery. The treatment really does depend on the scar and the individual.

Facial Scar Treatments in San Antonio, TX

Getting the right treatment for your scar is essential to getting the results your desire from your procedure. This means working with a surgeon who has the training, experience and skills required to properly identify which treatment is best for you.

Dr. Barrera is Board Certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He has earned board certification in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Sleep Medicine. He now actively teaches fellows as a fellowship director with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

He is also double fellowship trained in Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and Sleep Surgery making him a top aesthetic procedure surgeon in Texas. Please, don’t hesitate to call (210) 468-5426 or fill out Dr. Barrera’s online form to discuss how we can improve your life today.