Most everyone gets scars at some time in their life from injuries in the skin. Some scars go away with time, but others are permanent. Although this gives a certain uniqueness, some people hate the look of their scars and feel it obstructs their appearance. If you wish to remove your scars, come into Essential Dermatology for a consultation with Dr. Michael Krathen. He offers a variety of scar treatments for patients from Natick and surrounding cities such as Weston, Wayland, Framingham, and Wellesley. At this consultation, he can examine your skin and help to choose the best medical spa treatment for you.
What Causes Scars?
When you injure your skin, the body starts to naturally repair the damage. When repairing a deep wound, the body creates new tissue that is thicker than the skin, which becomes a scar. Most scars are flat and tend to look wrinkled.
Types of Scars
There are various types of scars that can occur. The most common include:
- Acne scars: Deep pits in the skin or pigmented areas from previous acne breakouts.
- Contracture scars: Appears after a burn. This can affect the muscles and nerves.
- Hypertrophic scars: Raised, red scars.
- Keloids: Raised scars that extend beyond the injured area.
How Are Scars Treated?
If you wish to treat your scars, Dr. Krathen can help to recommend a treatment. There are many different types of scar treatments, including:
Scar Treatment FAQ
Q: Are there any home treatments for scars that work?
Proper prevention is the best way to minimize scarring, so keep injuries clean, covered, and out of the sun while they heal. Over-the-counter silicone gels and sheets can improve the appearance of certain existing scars depending on their type, location, severity, how old they are, and your age. We can examine your scar or injury and recommend appropriate treatment options to address your concerns.
Q: What’s the fastest way to reduce the appearance of my scars?
Before having a scar treatment, you may need to quit smoking, stop taking certain medications, and discontinue certain skincare products. After each scar treatment, follow your post-procedure care instructions carefully, such as keeping your treated skin out of the sun.
Q: Are lasers really effective at reducing scars?
Yes, when performed by an experienced specialist who can select the appropriate technology and treatment intensity for your desired improvements.
Q: What’s the best treatment for acne scars?
Acne scar treatments increase collagen production and encourage the body to replace damaged tissues with healthy new skin. Effective treatments include chemical peels, lasers, microneedling, and filler injections. The best one for you depends on your specific acne scars and may involve more than one type. Learn more about acne scars and their treatment options in this blog post.
Q: Will I need multiple treatments to see the best results?
Patients often need a series of treatments to attain optimal improvement in the appearance of their scars. Treatments like lasers and microneedling increase collagen production and skin cell turnover, helping scars fade gradually over time.
Schedule a Consultation
To get started on finding the right treatment for your scars, talk to Dr. Krathen at Essential Dermatology. Although scars are harmless, they can be annoying and cause you to feel self-conscious. Come into Essential Dermatology to get started on your journey to a more confident you. Call our office at (508) 827-2615 or request a consultation by filling out our online form. To book an appointment, schedule your visit as a new patient using our online scheduler or as an existing patient using the Mass General Brigham Patient Gateway.
Meet Dr. Michael Krathen
Dr. Michael Krathen is a board-certified dermatologist with more than a decade of medical training and experience. A specialist in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, he uses expertise, collaboration, and compassion to help people of all ages discover their healthiest and most radiant skin.
Credentials You Can Trust
