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Are you looking for ways to eliminate a scar after surgery? Some people like to flaunt their post-op scars as their battle scars. But not all of us share that sentiment. From low-level laser therapy to scar removal creams, there is a wide range of options for anyone trying to remove surgery scars. We will highlight five methods in this piece that can restore the natural authenticity of your skin after undergoing an operation.
1. Natural Remedies
Some natural remedies can be effective in minimizing the appearance of scars. However, these are not as effective as other alternatives. Traditionally, people have been using many natural items to treat scars. That said, the scientific evidence behind these practices has been scarce.
Among all the natural remedies, aloe vera has received the most support from the scientific community. In two separate studies published in 2019 and 2021, researchers found aloe vera helpful in healing post-operative wounds.
First, take an aloe vera leaf and peel off its dark green skin. Next, spoon out the transparent, green jelly from the leaves and put it on your scars. Then, slowly spread it across the wound in a circular motion.
Leave the gel for half an hour. Wash off with cold water afterward. Repeat this procedure twice a month to get the desired results.
Vitamin E, honey, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, lavender oil, olive oil, lemon, potato, and baking soda are the other natural remedy suggestions you would find on the internet. But, there is not enough scientific proof regarding their effectiveness.
2. Dermal Fillers
You should consider dermal fillers while searching for scar removal procedures. Practitioners use dermal fillers commonly for treating acne and chickenpox scars. Dermal fillers can also be viable options for post-op scar removal.
So, what are dermal fillers? They are gel-like compounds that dermatology professionals inject underneath the skin. In most cases, they’re created from collagen, which is a naturally occurring protein in your body. These materials fill in the gap and plump up the skin.
Depending on the severity and location of the scars, the practitioner will administer various dosages of dermal fillers. When injected into the dermis, collagen filler dissolves the bands that cause sagging of the skin’s surface.
They used collagen in dermal fillers because it has so many significant benefits. First, it naturally exists in the skin, performing critical duties like helping cells grow. Over time, collagen levels deplete and make the skin saggy. So, the collagen injection helps the skin regain its smoothness.
Although dermal fillers can’t entirely erase your scars, they can significantly improve their appearance, making them nearly undetectable. The hyaluronic acid concentration in dermal fillers also has a moisturizing effect, which helps improve the skin’s general tone and texture.
3. Steroid Injections
Dermatologists might choose to inject a corticosteroid solution into a scar to shrink it. Steroids weaken the links between collagen fibers, which minimizes the amount of scar tissue beneath the skin. Steroids also have potent anti-inflammatory qualities, which can help reduce swelling, redness, itching, or discomfort.
The practitioner can give you a steroid shot to treat post-op scars every four to six weeks. After five shots, the scars should fade away. After that, many specialists recommend massaging the scars after taking every injection to speed up the healing process.
Steroid treatment is a pretty effective way to manage your scars. But, it can cause side effects like pain and soreness across multiple body regions. So, before taking steroid shots, please consult your doctor and ensure it’s safe for you.
4. Laser Treatment
Laser therapy, also known as laser scar revision, is one of the most sought-after treatments for scars and spots. Dermatologists use this technique to reduce blemishes, skin lesions, dark spots, and wrinkles.
In laser therapy, doctors project laser beams on the scars. The rays generate electromagnetic radiation. The goal is to use this radiation to split up the scar tissues. It also stimulates the production of collagen. As a result, your skin gets a renewed look.
The scars will not disappear completely, but laser treatment will make them almost invisible. In most cases, a single session will not be enough. Consult with your dermatologist to determine how often you need to return for the therapy.
Patients can choose from two types of laser therapies. One is the CO2 one, which uses a combination of short bursts and long, steady beams of light. This approach mainly targets the outermost layer of the skin without affecting the underlying layer. The patients usually require multiple sessions to get ideal results. The skin will heal within 14/15 days.
Fractional laser therapy is the second option. This method deploys narrower beams of light to penetrate the skin. It doesn’t affect as much skin area as CO2 therapy but goes deeper into the skin. Most dermatologists recommend fractional laser therapy for improved results.
5. Ointments
Doctors can prescribe ointments for their patients to reduce their post-op scars. Unfortunately, ointments require more time than most alternatives to yield results. But many patients prefer using ointments because it’s easier and cheaper.
Scar creams work in different ways to heal the skin and make scars less noticeable. For example, some skin creams have mild exfoliants in them. These exfoliants gently scrub surface cells and dead skin from the scarred area.
Manufacturers also use other chemicals in these creams. For example, these products often find aloe vera, corticosteroids, and skin regenerating minerals. But don’t pick up a random cream without consulting your dermatologist. Your skin might be insensitive to some elements present in the ointment. So, it’s best to get a doctor’s prescription first.
The Last Word on 5 Ways to eliminate a Scar After Surgery
Scarring is an unavoidable consequence of surgeries. While there is no foolproof solution to make your skin spotless again, there is a lot you can do to make the scar marks unnoticeable. Natural remedies are the most accessible solutions, but you must explore other options for more effectiveness. In our book, laser therapies work better than any other scar treatments. It doesn’t cost a fortune and can work its magic in minimal time.
