Whether it’s from acne, burns, or injury, scars are a natural biological part of the wound healing process. After the tissue has been damaged, the skin repairs itself with an overgrowth of new tissue to pull together the wound and fill gaps that may have been damaged in the process.
While these raised, pink, white or red marks don’t bother everyone, for some people, the scar’s appearance can cause emotional distress, impacting their confidence and self-esteem — especially when the damage is visible on the face, legs or arms. So if you’re wondering how to get rid of scars, we’ll cover all the possible topical and surgical treatments available so you can take action.
Types of scars
Before we address how to get rid of scars on the face, legs and hands, it’s important to understand the types of scars that can form during the wound-healing phase. These include:
- Normal fine line scars — Fine line scars are the most common type. A minor wound like a cut or a post-surgery incision mark will leave a raised line that will flatten and fade over time. While this process takes around two years, the scar will not disappear completely. While fine line scars are not usually painful, they may be itchy and red for a few months.
- Keloid scars — When skin is injured, scar tissue forms over the wound to protect and repair the injury. In some cases, additional scar tissue is produced, forming hard growths called keloids. Keloid scars are raised above the skin and can be red or darker than the surrounding skin. They are usually much larger than the wound itself and often take on a rigid and bumpy texture that may cause itchiness. Keloid scars are most commonly found on the chest, shoulders, earlobes and cheeks. While they aren’t painful, keloid scars can restrict movement and usually cause cosmetic concerns.
- Hypertrophic scars — Much like keloid scars, hypertrophic scars are the result of abnormal and excess collagen being produced at the site of a wound. While they do not extend beyond the size of the wound, they may continue to thicken over time. Although they eventually flatten, hypertrophic scars most commonly occur following skin trauma, burns or surgical incisions.
- Atrophic acne scars — An atrophic scar is an indented scar that heals below the normal layer of skin tissue and forms when the skin is unable to regenerate itself. These scars are often the result of severe acne and the indentation can form ice pick scars, boxcar scars and rolling scars. While the indentation, discolouration and pigmentation can linger on the skin for years without treatment, there are various ways you can get rid of acne scars fast.
Topical treatments for scar removal
If a stubborn pimple has left an unsightly mark on your skin, there is no miracle, one-off treatment to get rid of acne scars instantly. However, there is evidence to show that medicated creams that contain azelaic acid or hydroxy acids will help reduce their appearance, while sunscreen can limit the contrast between the scarred and unscarred skin. Applying aloe vera gel — which has wound healing properties — on the acne-affected area may also kill off harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation. Chemical skin peels and nourishing serums enriched with Vitamin C have a lightning effect on acne scars, while the daily use of rosewater can help soften scar tissue by regenerating skin cells.
Skincare products rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids will also help get rid of scars on the face as it moisturises the skin and heals scar tissue. Tea tree oil is another winner when it comes time to quickly get rid of acne scars. Tea tree oil is antibacterial and helps fight acne breakouts, inflammation and scarring while reducing redness around the area.
Some studies also show that Cryotherapy — which involves using liquid nitrogen to cool body tissue to below zero degrees — is an effective scar management method for those who have more serious scars like keloids. This treatment, when used in combination with injectable corticosteroids, may help improve the appearance of scars as it disrupts the underlying scar tissue.
Surgical treatments for scar removal
There are multiple surgical treatment options to address and get rid of scars on the legs, hands and face. Depending on the type and the location of the scar, these include:
- Excision — This involves the scar being surgically cut out and repaired with stitches to produce a thinner, less noticeable scar that will heal quickly.
- Skin graft and flap surgery — These are complex procedures that are used to recorrect scarring on large areas of the skin. These surgeries are also ideal for contractures that have resulted in skin tightening which restricts movement.
- Z-plasty — This is a technique for scar revision that involves redirecting the scar into better alignment with the natural skin line or fold. This surgery is usually reserved for those with scarring from severe burns or other injuries.
Laser treatments for scar removal
Laser therapy, otherwise known as laser scar revision, targets blood vessels and stimulates skin tissue, triggering it to repair. While it can’t eliminate the appearance of the scar completely, the strong pulses of light can help flatten the mark, reduce its redness, and lessen the itchiness and pain it may be causing the patient. While this technique won’t get rid of acne scars instantly, the scar’s pigment will appear more like the surrounding skin after multiple treatments. This popular, non-invasive procedure can help get rid of scars on the legs, hands, and face.
Microneedling and/or camouflage tattoos for scar removal
When you need to get rid of acne scars quickly, microneedling and camouflage tattooing are highly effective treatment methods that work in harmony. Microneedling resurfaces the scar by creating a ‘controlled wound’ that triggers the body’s collagen and elastin production to improve the texture, colour and appearance of scars. Atrophic (acne scars) or hypertrophic (raised scars) scars need microneedling to relax and flatten the mark before inserting camouflage tattoo pigments. To qualify for this treatment combination and achieve aesthetically pleasing outcomes, scars are best treated when they are white and at least one year old. While this non-invasive technique is quick, easy, and there is no downtime post-treatment, an aftercare cream containing Vitamin E is recommended.
Get rid of acne scars instantly and book your La Klinic treatment today
Specialising in both cosmetic and medical tattooing treatments, our team of qualified and highly skilled Elite Linergists attend annual advanced training in Europe to ensure they’re up to date with the latest microneedling and tattooing technologies. Having performed over 1000 procedures, we work closely and are endorsed by a team of doctors and plastic surgeons, so you can trust that when you visit our clinic, you’re in safe hands. Whether you need a singular microneedling appointment or a combination of microneedling and camouflage tattooing to reduce the appearance of your stubborn scars or stretch marks, we’re here to help you get rid of acne scars fast. Book your scar removal and medical tattoo appointments with our specialists online today, and get in contact if you have any questions.
