Fortunately, there are a lot of options for scar removal. This is great news, especially for people that are a bit uncomfortable undergoing surgical procedures. Here's a quick look at the different types of resurfacing techniques you can choose from.

Laser Therapy for Scar Removal

Even though laser therapy isn't known to completely eliminate scars, it is can help you achieve noticeable scar reduction. In fact, you can choose from a wide variety of lasers that are used to treat different skin problems.

Keloid Scars & Hypertrophic Scars

These types of scars are often treated using pulse dye lasers (PDL). If the PDL is to be used on sensitive areas (lips, fingers, etc), the doctor may suggest intralesional anesthesia.

This procedure may produce a few side effects, such as redness or rashes. If this does occur you needn't worry because they will quickly disappear. If after a couple of months the problem hasn't cleared up, call your doctor.

In order to treat normal hypertrophic scars effectively, you may require 2 or 4 sessions. However, if you're trying to treat keloid scars, you may need to undergo more than 4 sessions.

Stretch Marks

You can also use lower energy PDLs to help treat stretch marks. This type of treatment should not produce as many side effects as a higher energy PDL and you will probably only need to undergo one or two treatments before seeing positive results..

Atrophic Scars

The best type of laser for atrophic scars are ablative lasers. Carbon dioxide lasers and Er:YAG lasers are a popular form of treatment for raised scars. Since this scar treatment procedure is more precise than other resurfacing techniques, it offers better results and less collateral damage.

Resurfacing Techniques - Other Alternatives

Chemical Peels

Chemicals peels have been used for ages to help remove skin imperfections such as blemishes and scars. They consist of using different chemicals to remove different layers of the skin. For example, a light chemical peel may remove the epidermis while a deeper peel removes the epidermis as well as part of the dermis.

These treatments usually require up to two weeks of recovery time. The skin will crust over, scab, and once the scab has been removed, the smoother and younger looking skin hidden underneath will finally show through.

Dermabrasion

This type of procedure uses an abrasive tool or particles to "sand off" the skin. As with chemical peels, dermabrasion requires the care of a medical professional and the use of anesthesia to achieve proper scar removal.

Scar Creams

Scar creams not only help eliminate damaged tissue, it can also promote good scar healing. If you want to help a scar heal properly then the scar removal cream should be applied as soon as the wound has closed. To remove scar tissue, you will need to be consistent about its application.