Blog Entries tagged 'Scars'

For scars - a chemical burn scar or other scars, would a peel or CO2 laser be best?

questions@skintour.com — Sun, 12 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

For scar tissue, there is a lot of data now showing that fractional CO2 lasers and even some fractional erbium lasers get consistently the best results. Find an expert laser physician and the DEKA DOT CO2 and the Cynosure Affirm CO2 are particularly customizable for scar tissue. Often 3-8 treatments are needed depending on the area where the scar is and how large it is. It's important though to not expect it to be "perfect," just much less visible [...]

Can moles on the face be removed without surgical treatment?

questions@skintour.com — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The short answer to this is no. True moles, and there are several different types of moles, can't be removed without surgery. You will always trade a mole for a scar. The question really is .... is it a good trade? Ideally, the scar is much less visible and noticeable than the original mole. More info here on methods to surgically remove moles and the type of scar they make.

Also, in general dermatologists don't recommend trying to use lasers fo [...]

Can a scar caused by a cold sore be improved by laser treatment?

questions@skintour.com — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Okay so three things - because it sounds to me that maybe there was a miscommunication between you and your doctor possibly.

1. Is it possible she was saying it wasn't a severe enough scar (maybe a discoloration rather than a true scar) for the laser to be helpful and that she just didn't want you to waste your money?

2. Is it possible that the lasers she has in her office are not the right ones for this particular problem?

3. Or, was s [...]

Can you help me with scars on my legs?

questions@skintour.com — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Thank you for writing. I know there must be good doctors in Singapore who have a fractionated CO2. Generally, these lasers (I particularly like the DEKA DOT for this area), will give you good results as long as you are patient. Ask the doctor to do a small test area first so you can see how it heals before you do more.

It's important to know that you would need multiple treatments (think 3-8) depending on how much scarring there is. And, it's important that each treatment b [...]

If I'm prone to keloids, is it okay to have peels, lasers or microdermabrasion?

questions@skintour.com — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

I wondering if a dermatologist told you that?? In general, the risk of keloids goes down in the thirties, and also, the sites of past keloids really matter. For example, keloids are most common on the ears after piercing especially in the teens, on the chest, shoulders and on the back. They can occur other places but are less common. They are uncommon on the face.

Usually, if someone is in their thirties, healthy, and has no history of keloids on the face, then minor procedure [...]

I have multiple acne scars on my chest and back. What can I do?

questions@skintour.com — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100

I really agree with your conclusion on this. With most acne scarring, it is deep enough that superficial treatments like microdermabrasion, creams and glycolic peels won't help much. A fractionated CO2 laser (like the DEKA DOT or Lumenis Active/Deep Rx) or the even Fraxel Restore (erbium laser - better for more shallow scars) would be the best for you. In the long run, even though they are more expensive, you will waste less time and money and get better results. Please see my articl [...]

What are good products for cystic acne with some scarring along the jawline?

questions@skintour.com — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Dear Amy - Most of the "over the counter," drugstore type products and acne care systems like Proactive, have either benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids or retinol in them. These can be combined in various ways for a good effect. The problem is that these products work best on comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads), or the type of acne with small red bumps. They do not work well on deeper cystic acne and especially if there is some scarring. To get a good result with [...]

Would a laser help with scars on the lip?

questions@skintour.com — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Hmmmm. I'd really like you to get an opinion from a dermtologist too. Do you have a good one in your area? Ideally, one who does the full range of medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. When you say hypertrophic, I'm assuming they are small, whitish and raised since that's the kind of scar that usually occurs on the lips after electrocautery.

Ask the dermatologist you see about doing a small "punch" excision of the scars. Your lip would be numbed (much more comfor [...]

What can I do about scars on the lips?

questions@skintour.com — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Confidentiality is important! We would never publish your email address or a last name. Unfortunately, I really can't answer emails individually. Hopefully this will help.

When you say the scars are hypertrophic that means the scars are raised. Fraxel generally doesn't help much if the scar is raised or firm. This is hard without being able to see them. How big are they? Are they soft or firm? These and many other factors would figure into the best way to correct th [...]

Is it possible to scar with the Fraxel Restore laser?

questions@skintour.com — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100

On the face, assuming the treatment is done correctly, it would be extremely unusual to develop scarring from Fraxel treatments. I'm also assuming you are not prone to keloids! You've had several treatments and you respond well. When you go to a good laser center where they follow the guidelines and you really shouldn't have a problem.

OFF-FACE applications of the laser are another story. Areas like the neck and chest, for example, are much more likely to scar with aggressive tr [...]

Would fractionated carbon dioxide laser be helpful for me with acne scars?

questions@skintour.com — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

It's a bit difficult without being able to see you or knowing your age. But, yes, usually the fractionated CO2 is more effective than the Fraxel Restore for acne scarring. If you are 30 years old and have minimal to moderate scarring, the Fraxel Restore could be perfect. But if you are older or have more severe scarring, I would recommend the Deka "DOT" system for you or the Lumenis Deep Fx. Fraxel makes a Co2 system also called the Fraxel Repair which [...]

Preventing ER Visits on Vacation (#2)

jeff@fdgweb.com — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Studies have shown that wounds heal faster and with less scarring if kept covered. Kids won't always keep them on, but you can try. One of my sons still has some very small scars on his arms from insect bites that he scratched and got infected.

So remember to bring bandaids of different sizes. Also helpful are gauze or telfa non-stick pads and paper tape or small ace wraps to hold larger dressings in place. Clean cuts or abrasions gently with warm water and a non-irritating cleanser lik [...]

Can Botox cause a problem with keloids?

questions@skintour.com — Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Dear Fran -

Good question. Fortunately, the answer is no (or let's just say 99.9% no) is doesn't cause keloids. There are several reasons for this. First, we get less prone to keloids as we get older (keloids peak in the teens and 20s). Second, the face of a woman is less likely to keloid than say, the arm, the ear, or the abdomen. And third, the needles we use for Botox are so tiny (like an accupuncture needle), that they often don't even [...]

What Can I Do About Scars that are Unsightly After a Breast Augmentation?

questions@skintour.com — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

I'm glad you wrote again. I really do think you need a second and maybe even a third opinion for your problem. If you have medical insurance, your plan will cover the evaluation of scars, especially keloids which are thickened, discolored scars. Find the two absolute best dermatologists in your area and make medical appointments with both of them. If you have a dermatologist who has a reputable laser center in your area, he/she would be a good choice. See our [...]

Is there a way to blend an upper eyelid scar better?

questions@skintour.com — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Thank you for the compliment! If you're 37, you probably have good elasticity of your skin so further tightening could cause problems. Your surgeon might need to help you with this decision. Fraxel laser on the upper lids may be your best choice because it would blend the scar without causing much tightening. This is a situation where seeing your surgeon and then getting a second opinion would be helpful.

Scarring and African American Skin

questions@skintour.com — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

If your scarring is truly superficial, than the Fraxel laser, done in a top notch center, may be a good choice for you. Without seeing you, it's not possible to say for sure. Find a center and a Dermatologist with a lot of experience, and one that treats african american skin frequently. Make sure the doctor is on site full time. Don't use a carbon dioxide laser even if it's fractionated because, even with the newer technology, there isn't enough safety data y [...]

Scars on the legs

questions@skintour.com — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

You really need to talk to both a great laser specialist and a cosmetic surgeon on this one. I can't really comment on this one. It depends so much on the length and width of the scars, the color of them, the exact location on the leg, etc. I would get several opinions and then weigh your options and the costs involved. Dr. Irwin

Thinning Skin and Retinols and Sculptra

questions@skintour.com — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

I'm going to assume that you've asked your doctor about this already!! Here are several ideas but you'll need your doctor to help you with them. One, get a prescription for tretinoin (generic for Retin-A, Renova, etc.) either .025 or .05 percent and start putting it on nightly. It has the well documented ability (it builds collagen) to slowly improve steroid atrophy (thinning of the skin). Use it for at least 6 months and, if you get irritated [...]