Scar treatment is a major part of post-operative care that has gained much attention from surgeons and patients around the world. There are a number of ways that surgical or injury scars can be treated, so it’s helpful to know what options are available to you. The three primary ways scars can be treated today include laser treatment, steroid injections, and silicone gel sheeting. While each method can be effective, there are a number of things to know before making a choice. In this article, we will weigh the pros and cons of the available scar treatment options so you can make an educated decision about which is right for you.

Laser treatment

Also known as scar revision, this procedure stimulates the growth of new, healthy skin at the scar site to help the scar blend in with the surrounding tissue. In essence, laser treatment creates a new scar in place of the old one and collagen fibers are able to organize evenly to give the appearance of normal skin. There are differences to the type of laser therapy one can receive. The doctor may utilize various light wavelengths to effect new skin growth. A laser can be ablative (removal of the top layer of skin) or nonablative (affects the layers underneath the scar). Prior to opting for this treatment, it’s important to note that laser revision will help reduce the appearance of the scar, but it cannot fully remove it from sight. People with certain skin tones may not benefit from laser therapy because the new skin that grows back can be discolored. This procedure can help with many types of scars from acne, surgery, or injury. Scars that are painful, itchy, or unsightly can benefit from receiving laser treatment. Skin treated with lasers should be protected from the sun to avoid hyperpigmentation.

Steroid injections

Another treatment for scar reduction is to receive steroid injections (intralesional steroids). The type of steroid used in this procedure is triamcinolone, which is a class of corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are produced naturally in the human body in response to stress and play a role in the immune system. The synthetic steroids used in intralesional injections decrease the inflammation and proliferation response involved in wound repair by slowing excess collagen production. This has the effect of softening and flattening scars, helping them blend in with the surrounding tissue. While steroid injections are generally effective, they don’t come without the occasional side-effect. Patients can experience immediate or delayed reactions to this treatment. Scars tend to be more sensitive than normal skin tissue, so they run the risk of bleeding, pain, bruising, or infection after receiving a steroid injection. Some scars will require multiple injections before significant improvements are noticed.

Silicone gel sheeting

Medical-grade silicone gel is a clinically-proven topical treatment used to flatten and reduce the appearance of keloids and hypertrophic scars. Silicone has been used for over 30 years and is often the first-line of defense against post-surgical scars. Medical silicone works through the mechanisms of dermal hydration and collagen regulation. Silicone induces moisture into the scar bed for a period of 8-12 weeks. During this time, fibroblast cells in the tissue slow down collagen production, thereby restoring the skin to its natural appearance. This scar therapy option is more cost-effective than the other treatment methods and is appropriate for children and adults. Silicone gel can be purchased through your physician or online at biodermis.com.

Biodermis offers custom tailored referral programs designed to simplify and reduce the cost of your patients' post-op care. Additionally, we offer professional pricing if you opt to retail our products. Give us a call at 800.322.3729, and we will be happy to provide additional details on these programs.