What is Scarring?

While a natural part of the healing process, scars are generally considered unsightly and often make people feel self-conscious. This is particularly true of scars in the facial area. West Hollywood dermatologists at the Kopelson Clinic are dedicated to helping patients be their best selves, and provide several treatment options for scarring. Let’s take a deeper look at scarring, including types of scars, as well as available Kopelson Clinic scar treatments:

Types of Scars

Scars form as the result of injury, such as those from accidents, surgery, or disease. They form as the body works to repair the wound, and generally fade over time. Wound depth and size play into scar severity, as does age, sex, genes, and ethnicity. Types of scars include:

[checklist icon=”fa-times-circle” iconcolor=”” circle=”” circlecolor=”#65c2f0″ size=”small” class=”” id=””][li_item icon=”fa-times-circle-o”]Contracture: Contracture scars are the result of a burn, and tighten skin, thus interfering with movement. Such scars are sometimes very deep, affecting the nerves and muscles.[/li_item]
[li_item icon=”fa-times-circle-o”]Keloid: These scars form due to “an overly-aggressive healing process,” and “extend past” the original injury. Pressure treatment and silicone gel pads may be used following the injury to prevent keloids, as the scars can affect movement. Keloid scars are most common among darker-skinned individuals.[/li_item]
[li_item icon=”fa-times-circle-o”]Acne: Serious acne causes scarring, including deeply-pitted scars and those featuring a wavelike or angular appearance. Treatment is contingent on the variation of acne scar.[/li_item]
[li_item icon=”fa-times-circle-o”]Atrophic Scars: A type of acne scar, atrophic scars are defined as “small and roundish recesses” on flesh. They occur due to loss of muscle, fat, and connective tissue, and may appear following an accident, surgery, or the chickenpox virus in addition to acne.[/li_item]
[li_item icon=”fa-times-circle-o”]Hypertrophic Scars: Hypertrophic scars are caused by “excessive production of collagen tissue,” and appear reddish and lumpy. Similar to keloid scars, hypertrophic scars do not go beyond injury “boundaries,” and are caused by accidents, acne, surgery, and unsterilized piercing equipment.[/li_item][/checklist]

Available Treatments

Your West Hollywood dermatologists provide several scar treatment options, including:

[checklist icon=”fa-times-circle” iconcolor=”” circle=”” circlecolor=”#65c2f0″ size=”small” class=”” id=””][li_item icon=”fa-times-circle-o”]Laser Scar Treatment: The clinic has several different lasers to treat sun damage, acne scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, and varicose/spider veins.[/li_item]
[li_item icon=”fa-times-circle-o”]Cosmetic Fillers: Restylane®, Radiesse®, and Sculptra™ are among the cosmetic fillers used to restore fullness to the face, thus dramatically reducing the appearance of scars.[/li_item][/checklist]

To learn more about scar treatments available through these West Hollywood dermatologists, please contact Kopelson Clinic today.