Scar Treatment FAQs

Is it possible to remove scars from the skin?

Scars form as a result of your body’s natural healing process, but the new tissue that forms will not have the same appearance as the skin it has replaced. While it is not possible to completely remove a scar from your skin, there are many treatments available that can greatly diminish the appearance of a scar. A scar is a physical reminder of a trauma we have suffered, and its removal can be important not only for aesthetic reasons, but for emotional reasons as well. Dr. Frank offers many of the latest scar correction technologies in his practice to help his patients reduce the appearance of unsightly scars on their skin.

What types of treatments are available to reduce the appearance of scars?

Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank offers several treatment options for scar reduction. The scar treatments he offers include V-beam, Fraxel, and Medlite laser treatments, cortisone injections, soft tissue fillers, surgical realignments, and cosmetic tattooing. Advances in laser technology have made laser treatment for scars a very popular approach; however, more traditional treatments, such as cortisone injections and surgical realignment, are still being used in appropriate cases. After meeting with you and examining the problematic scar, Dr. Frank will be able to recommend the treatment type that will work best for you.

How do lasers work to reduce the appearance of scars?

During a laser scar removal procedure, a laser beam will be moved along the surface of the scar. In doing so, the outer layer or layers of skin will be vaporized and the underlying skin will be exposed. The wound from the laser treatment will heal over time, and more natural-looking skin will result. Other laser treatment approaches may target the tissues under the scar in order to stimulate collagen production and heal the scar from the inside out.

What should I expect during a laser scar removal procedure?

Laser scar removal procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia. The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour and half, based on the size of the treatment area. Multiple treatments may be required, based on the scar being treated. During your initial consultation, Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank will be able to advise you on the expected treatment duration.

What should I expect after a laser scar removal procedure?

After the treatment, your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for the skin that has received the treatment. Typically, you will be asked to wash your skin with a gentle soap and then apply an antibiotic cream and bandage to the skin. Your doctor may also prescribe an oral antibiotic to prevent infection. Your doctor will discuss pain management with you, as well. If over-the-counter pain medications are insufficient and the pain become unmanageable, you should notify your doctor immediately. Your skin will begin regeneration in as few as four days. Each person responds differently to laser therapy, so results will vary for each person. After a period of time, your doctor will ask you to return to his office for a post-procedural evaluation to check your progress and determine next steps.